After weeks of wrangling, Spanish Football Association President Luis Rubiales announced his resignation from his post on Sunday.
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 cannot continue my work.” Hermoso filed a complaint against Rubiales last Wednesday. The public prosecutor’s office filed a complaint of sexual assault.
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.
Interim FIFA ban for 90 days
Last Monday, the men’s national team also publicly distanced itself from Rubiales and called his behavior “unacceptable.”
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.