Luis Rubiales Spanish Football FA president, has finally bowed to pressure by tedering his resignation letter.
Rubiales resigned his appointment as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF], citing the intense public criticism he received after forcibly kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso at the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup held in New-Zealand and Australia.
After few weeks of intense investigation, Rubiales decided to throw in the towel.
Earlier this week, Hermoso filed a criminal complaint, which led to prosecutors filing a case with Spain’s top court against Rubiales.
Rubiales is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion after the World Cup final, which Spain won 1-0 against England in August.
FIFA has already suspended him for 90 days as they carry out their own investigation.
Rubiales’ resignation statement was distributed at the same time that journalist Piers Morgan published a clip of an upcoming interview in which Rubiales confirms his resignation and said his father had urged him to step down in order to preserve his dignity.
According to him, his suspension by global football governing body FIFA’s disciplinary committee and the launch of a sexual assault investigation into his actions by Spain’s National Court had convinced him that he would not be able to remain in his post, and that his insisting on doing so would only harm the federation and football in general.
“I have handed in my resignation to the acting president, Pedro Rocha.
“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,” Rubiales confirmed in an open letter published on Sunday.
The football chief asserted that he had done nothing wrong and said that he had “faith in the truth and a determination to do everything to make sure that it prevails.”
“My daughters, my family and the people I love the most have suffered the effects of an excessive persecution, as well as many lies, but with every day that passes the truth is taking hold on the street,” he added.
