Women’s World Cup kiss: Luis Rubiales to resign as president of Spanish football federation

‘I’m going to (resign), yes, because I cannot continue my work,’ said Rubiales in an interview with TV programme Piers Morgan Uncensored
In a letter sent to the federation on Sunday night, Rubiales also said he was resigning as a vice-president of European football governing body Uefa

Fifa Women's World Cup

Agence France-Presse

Published: 5:03am, 11 Sep 2023

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Suspended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales said on Sunday he will resign from his post because of the scandal caused by his kiss on the lips of a Women’s World Cup player.

“I’m going to (resign), yes, because I cannot continue my work,” said Rubiales in an interview with television programme Piers Morgan Uncensored.

“(Family and friends) say to me ‘Luis, you need to focus on your dignity and continue your life. If not you are going to damage people you love and the sport you love’.”

Spain’s Jenni Hermoso with Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales after winning the Fifa Women’s World Cup in Sydney, Australia in August. Photo: Reuters

Rubiales, 46, sparked a worldwide backlash after forcibly kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain’s World Cup triumph in Sydney on August 20.

The chief was suspended by Fifa provisionally for 90 days, while Spanish public prosecutors filed a lawsuit against him for sexual assault and coercion earlier this week.

Hermoso, 33, filed a complaint at the National Court on Tuesday, formally accusing Rubiales of sexual assault.

In a letter sent by Rubiales to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Sunday night, he also said he was resigning as a vice-president of European football governing body Uefa.

“After the swift suspension carried out by Fifa, plus the rest of the procedures opened against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position,” said Rubiales in the letter.

“Insisting on waiting and clinging to it is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither for the federation nor for Spanish football.

“Among other things, because there are powers that be that will prevent my return.”

The Spanish football federation confirmed Rubiales’ resignation on Sunday.

The RFEF statement also confirmed Rubiales had resigned from his position as vice-president of Uefa.

Additional reporting by Reuters

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