After three weeks of controversy over allegations that he administered an uninvited kiss to a woman on the women’s national team as it celebrated its World Cup victory last month, Spanish football federation leader Luis Rubiales resigned on Sunday.
Rubiales resigned in a statement saying his position had become untenable, with the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) subsequently confirming he had written a resignation letter to acting president Pedro Rocha.
His kiss of player Jenni Hermoso following the World Cup victory in Sydney on Aug. 20 sparked fury among players, government officials, and many in wider Spanish society, raising concerns about sexism in sports.
His decision to leave came after significant setbacks to his standing in recent days.
On Friday, a Spanish prosecutor filed a lawsuit against Rubiales with the High Court for sexual assault and coercion.
The accusation, which came after Hermoso filed a criminal complaint earlier in the week, explains how Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips “without her consent” while holding her head with both hands after Spain overcame England to win the World Cup.
Rubiales has maintained that the kiss was mutual and consensual, and he had withstood requests to quit from athletes, government officials, and others until Sunday.
FIFA had also prohibited Rubiales from all football activity for three months pending an inquiry into his behavior by soccer’s world governing organization.
“It is clear that I will not be able to return to my position after FIFA’s rapid suspension, plus the rest of the proceedings opened against me,” Rubiales said in a statement.
“Insisting on waiting and clinging… will not benefit either the Federation or Spanish football.” Among other reasons, there are de facto powers in place that will block my return,” he added.
He also announced his resignation as a vice president of European soccer authority UEFA. He made his comment on X, the social media network that was formerly known as Twitter.
Reuters contacted Hermoso’s representative for comment on Rubiales’ departure, but they did not return our call.
Hermoso, Spain’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals, is presently playing for Mexican top-tier club Pachuca, where she will move in June 2022 after her second stint at Barcelona.
Spanish government ministers, who had been staunch supporters of Hermoso and others advocating for Rubiales’ removal, applauded his departure.
“The feminist country is advancing faster and faster,” Spain’s temporary Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz said on X following the resignation of Rubiales. “It is unavoidable that our lives will change and better. We stand with you, Jenni, and all women.”
“It’s over,” declared Irene Montero, Spain’s Minister of Equality.
Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation and as a vice-president of UEFA, according to a statement issued by the Spanish Football Federation.
“This has been communicated to the federal entity via a letter to (acting RFEF president) Pedro Rocha Junco,” according to the RFEF statement.
The Spanish women’s football union FUTPRO did not immediately react to a request for comment from Reuters.
Despite stepping down as federation president, Rubiales maintained his version of events.
“I will defend my honor,” he declared in a message posted alongside his statement on Sunday. I will prove my innocence. I believe in the future. “I believe in the truth.”
Rubiales said in an interview with journalist Piers Morgan on Sunday that he decided to retire after consulting with family and friends.
“Luis, you must maintain your dignity and carry on with your life.” “If you don’t, you’ll probably end up hurting more people you care about and the sport you enjoy,” he described them as saying.
