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Rubiales Resigns Amid Controversy Over Non-Consensual Kiss Scandal at Women’s World Cup

The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation steps down after being at the center of one of the biggest controversies in sports history

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After the controversial kiss with Spanish player Jennifer Hermoso on August 20, the day the Spanish Women’s Soccer Team won the 2023 World Cup, in an attempt to persuade the player to come to his defense, making several embarrassing public appearances and holding a press conference at the Federation’s headquarters claiming that it was all a «feminist conspiracy,» and arrogantly repeating «I won’t resign,» Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and vice president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

He does so after 22 days of making headlines, radio and television appearances, thousands of messages on social media and streaming platforms, claiming that he has been subjected to «excessive persecution,» and now it is time for him to defend himself against the accusations in court.

Because Jennifer Hermoso already filed the appropriate complaint after describing everything that happened, and now the case is in the hands of the prosecutor’s office and the courts. Throughout this time, the outcry has been unanimous, and Rubiales has only had the support of his family and the most far-right sectors of society opposed to anything related to women’s equality.

The former president states in his statement that he does not want to harm Spain’s image after images of him celebrating the Spanish victory with obscene gestures, kissing the player, or holding others in his arms circulated worldwide. There were few who spoke out against this situation from the beginning, but as the days went by, more and more people voiced their opinions when the tsunami was impossible to stop.

Luis Rubiales’s resignation came in the dead of night through a statement while he was giving an interview to a popular British host, but not in front of the Spanish media.

Luis Rubiales’ Resignation Statement

Here is the complete statement sent to the media:

«Today, at 9:30 PM, I conveyed to the Acting President, Mr. Pedro Rocha, my resignation from the position of President of the RFEF. I also informed him that I have done the same with my position at UEFA so that my role in the Vice Presidency can be replaced.

After the swift suspension imposed by FIFA, along with the other ongoing proceedings against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position. Insisting on waiting and holding on to it will not contribute to anything positive, neither for the Federation nor for Spanish football. Among other things, because there are powerful forces that will prevent my return. There is the management of my team and, above all, the happiness I take with me from the tremendous privilege of these more than 5 years at the helm of the RFEF.

I do not want Spanish football to be harmed by this disproportionate campaign, and above all, I am making this decision after ensuring that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow Europe and Africa to remain united in the 2030 dream, which will bring the world’s biggest event to our country.

I must look ahead, toward the future. There is something that occupies me firmly now. I have faith in the truth, and I will do everything in my power to make it prevail. My daughters, my family, and the people who care about me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that in the streets, day by day, the truth is prevailing.

From here, I send a heartfelt embrace to all the workers, assembly members, federation members, and people involved in football in general, wishing them the best of luck.

Thanks to all who have supported me during these times.»Luis Rubiales, through a press statement

The president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales. Alberto Ortega / Europa Press via Getty Images
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