Due to the ongoing investigations into him as a result of his unwanted kiss on Spain forward Jenni Hermoso, Luis Rubiales has resigned from his position as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Last week, Hermoso made a criminal complaint, and as a result, prosecutors have filed a case against Rubiales with Spain’s highest court. Due to his actions following last month’s Women’s World Cup final, in which Spain defeated England 1-0, he is accused of sexual assault and coercion.
Later on Sunday, the RFEF issued a statement confirming Rubiales’ resignation and that he would be leaving his position as UEFA vice president.
FIFA, the sport’s highest governing body, consequently prohibited him from any football-related activities for 90 days while it conducted its own inquiry due to his actions, which included groping his crotch and kissing other players.
“I have handed in my resignation to the acting president, Pedro Rocha,” Rubiales confirmed in an open letter published on Sunday.
“I have also informed him that I have done the same with my position at UEFA, so that a replacement for my role as vice president can be sought.
“After the suspension by FIFA, in addition to the rest of the proceedings against me, it is clear that I will not be able to return to my position.”
On Tuesday, Spain coach Jorge Vilda was fired in the incident’s aftermath.
Despite increasing pressure in recent weeks, Rubiales had previously resisted offering his resignation. The Spanish government attempted to step in and remove him from his job after he refused to do so in an August address and blamed “false feminism” and a campaign against him.
However, a decision by Spain’s top sports court (TAD) has prevented it from doing so. The government has been unable to intervene because TAD only rated Rubiales’ offense as “serious” and not “very serious,” but Hermoso’s move to demand modifications altered the course of the probe.
In order to prevent further negative publicity for Spanish soccer and the RFEF’s joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup with Portugal, Morocco, and Ukraine, Rubiales said he has decided to leave at this time.
“To insist on waiting [for an outcome] and clinging on to [my position] will not contribute to anything positive — neither for the RFEF nor Spanish football,” Rubiales added.
“There are powers that be that will prevent my return. I do not want Spanish football to be harmed by this disproportionate campaign [against me].
“I am taking this decision after having made sure that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to remain united in the dream of [co-hosting the World Cup in] 2030.”
Rubiales previously said the kiss was consensual — a claim Hermoso has strongly denied, saying she felt she was the victim of an aggressive act — and he will now focus on defending his name.
“I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to make sure it prevails,” he said.
“My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of unconscionable persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the street, every day more and more, the truth is prevailing.”
