Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales announces his resignation after forcibly kissing a player in the World Cup final

Provisionally suspended by Fifa, targeted by a preliminary investigation for “sexual assault”, Luis Rubiales resigned on Sunday, 21 days after forcibly kissing player Jennifer Hermoso during the celebrations of La Roja’s World Cup title.

France Télévisions – Sports Editorial

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The president of the RFEF, Luis Rubiales, during the extraordinary general assembly convened by the Spanish Federation, August 25, 2023. (EIDAN RUBIO / AFP)

The ax has fallen for Luis Rubiales. The president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced his resignation on Sunday September 10 in an interview with journalist Piers Morgan. “I’m going to resign, because I can’t continue to do my job […] It’s the best thing to do.”he declared.

The one who forcibly kissed the player Jennifer Hermoso after La Roja’s victory against England (1-0) in the World Cup final on August 20, officially leaves his position. He was already provisionally suspended by Fifa. Rubiales also clarified that he had resigned from his post as vice-president of Uefa.

In the wake of his gesture on the day of the final, he nevertheless insisted that he would not resign during a extraordinary general meeting convened by the RFEF. Since released by the coaches of the Iberian selections – Jorge Vilda for the women and Luis de la Fuente on the men’s side – who then applauded himbut also by his own federation and by the government who have all demanded his departure, Luis Rubiales is targeted by several complaints for “sexual assault” (none of Jennifer Hermoso). The Spanish prosecutor’s office has also requested that he be charged on the same charge.

In a letter posted on his X account (formerly Twitter), Rubiales explained his decision: “After the rapid suspension of Fifa and the rest of the proceedings against me, it is clear that I will not be able to return to my position. Waiting and hanging on will bring nothing positive, neither to the Federation nor to Spanish football.”

The now ex-president of the RFEF announces that he wants “To look forward“, before specifying: “I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to make it prevail..”


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