The head of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, has announced that he will resign from his position. He kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth at the World Cup.
The 46-year-old finally drew the widely demanded conclusion from his behavior after the World Cup final, which was criticized around the world. Rubiales kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth against her will after Spain’s final victory. Rubiales said in an interview with English journalist Piers Morgan that he would resign. “Because I can’t continue my work.”
Hermoso had previously filed a complaint against Rubiales. The public prosecutor’s office filed a complaint of sexual assault.
Spanish media published a letter from Rubiales to the federation on Sunday evening, in which he also announced his resignation as vice-president of European football’s governing body UEFA. “Following the swift suspension by FIFA and the rest of the proceedings against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to office”Rubiales said in the letter: “The insistence on waiting and staying put will not do anything positive for the federation or for Spanish football.”
National players on strike, coach fired
The president had publicly apologized for his misconduct, but initially vehemently refused to resign. The national players went on strike and world champion coach Jorge Vilda was relieved of his duties because of his close ties to Rubiales.
Ban by FIFA
Last Monday, the men’s national team also publicly distanced itself from Rubiales and his behavior “unacceptable” called. The world association FIFA temporarily banned him for 90 days, and the national sports administrative court TAD is dealing with the case. The regional associations in Spain refused to follow him.
Rubiales was elected president of the Spanish association in May 2018. The official also sits as a deputy on the executive committee of the European Football Union (UEFA).