Spanish Football President Rubiales Resigns Amidst Controversy Over World Cup Victory Kiss
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The president of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, has tendered his resignation in the wake of intense criticism surrounding a controversial kiss with Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup victory ceremony. The embattled Rubiales, who was already suspended, sent his resignation to the federation’s interim president. He cited his decision to step down during a television interview and expressed his reasons in an open letter, Readership NG reports.
In an interview on the “Piers Morgan Uncensored” television show, the 46-year-old Rubiales stated, “I’m going to (resign), yes, because I cannot continue my work.” He shared that his family and friends advised him to focus on his dignity and personal life to prevent harm to loved ones and the sport he holds dear.
Rubiales faced global backlash after forcibly kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain’s World Cup victory in Sydney on August 20. Despite initial resistance, he was provisionally suspended by FIFA for 90 days, and Spanish public prosecutors filed a lawsuit against him, alleging sexual assault and coercion based on a complaint filed by Hermoso.
In an open letter published by Rubiales, he announced his resignation from the position of vice-president of the European football governing body UEFA, stating, “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.”
Rubiales, who contends that the kiss was consensual, expressed his concern for Spanish football’s reputation, saying, “I have faith in the truth and will do everything in my power so that it prevails.” He emphasized that his departure would contribute to “stability” in Spain’s involvement in the 2030 men’s World Cup bid.
As pressure mounted for Rubiales to step down, his mother, Angeles Bejar, resorted to a hunger strike in protest, locking herself in a church.
Regarding the legal action, Spanish prosecutors’ lawsuit against Rubiales will be reviewed by a National Court judge. If accepted, a magistrate will be assigned to investigate the case, ultimately leading to a recommendation for a trial or dismissal. Australian authorities expressed willingness to assist with an investigation but stated that no report had been referred to them.
Jenni Hermoso, who plays for Mexican club Pachuca, characterized the unwanted kiss as leaving her “vulnerable and like the victim of an assault” in a social media statement, describing it as “an impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part.” She also accused Rubiales of pressuring her to defend him immediately after the kiss controversy erupted, an action that prosecutors consider a potential crime of coercion.
