Luis Rubiales said Sunday he will resign as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation.
Topline
Luis Rubiales said Sunday he will step down as the president of Spain’s football federation after facing a storm of criticism for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the team’s World Cup victory—a move that comes after weeks of defending himself against claims of sexual misconduct.Key Facts
Rubiales announced his resignation on X, formerly called Twitter, and did not apologize for the kiss but instead said it was « evident » he would not be able to return to his position of president after a suspension by FIFA, an internal investigation launched by his federation and potential criminal sexual assault charges.
His statement called the « campaign » against him « disproportionate » and said his daughters and the rest of his family had « suffered the effects of persecution » alongside him.
Hermoso has said she was made to feel “vulnerable” and a “victim of an attack” after Rubiales placed his hands on both sides of her face and kissed her on the mouth in celebration, a move she has called « sexist » and « out of place” since it happened on August 20.
Before his resignation, Rubiales had vowed to “take more care” in his role as federation president but otherwise has not admitted fault or apologized for wrongdoing in the incident.
