BREAKING: Luis Rubiales surprisingly resigned as President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation after the scandal of his kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso in the Women’s World Cup Final. He revealed the news in an exclusive interview to the world for@PiersUncensoredâ© pic.twitter.com/Kl2uQTOzqv
â Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 10, 2023
Rubiales, 46, has drawn widespread condemnation for the kiss, which took place during the award ceremony, and is in the midst of a 90-day suspension by FIFA, soccer’s global governing body. His decision follows a call by Spanish federation leaders for him to step down as well as Spain’s women’s team saying it will not play again until he is removed.
On Friday, Spain’s attorney general issued a formal complaint against Rubiales, accusing him of sexual assault and coercion.
“[My father], my daughters â I spoke to them. They know it’s not a question about me,” said Rubiales in the interview with Morgan. “Some friends who are very close to me said, ‘Luis, you need to focus on your dignity and move on with your life because you are hurting the people you love.’ … In this situation right now, it’s something I have to do.”
Rubiales admitted that his kiss with Hermoso was “mutual and “consensual,” but FIFA quickly handed down a temporary suspension.
“After the quick suspension imposed by FIFA, in addition to the remaining open cases against me, it is clear that I cannot return to my position,” Rubiales’ statement, written in Spanish, read. according to the BBC. “Insisting on waiting and continuing will not contribute anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.”
Rubiales is usually unapologetic about his actions, but pressure on him and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has intensified in the three weeks since the World Cup ended and Hermoso, Spain’s all-time leading scorer, has -and filed a formal complaint, saying she felt “vulnerable” and a “victim of assault” when he kissed her.
He offered a lukewarm apology the day after the August 20 incident but Hermoso insisted that he “brought me close to his body” at the podium and accused critics of “social assassination.” He was criticized by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who said his action was “unacceptable,” but the Spanish government has limited ability to punish Rubiales.
Rubiales’ resignation came five days after women’s coach Jorge Vilda was fired. Last year, 15 star players refused to play for the national team because of what they said was Vilda’s iron control and culture of sexism.