Luis Rubiales Resigns As RFEF President And Also Quits UEFA Role Three Weeks After Kissing Jennifer Hermoso
Luis Rubiales resigned from his role as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Sunday night.
He also stood down from his position as UEFA vice president.
His decision to quit came three weeks after he was widely criticized for his conduct following the FIFA Women's World Cup final.
Rubiales was pictured grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain's 1-0 win over England in Stadium Australia's VIP area, where he had been sat next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter.
Rubiales, who was part of the medal presentation party, later kissed Spain player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips.
Hermoso has since opened legal proceedings against Rubiales after claiming that he kissed her "without any consent".
Luis Rubiales has quit his role as president of the RFEF three weeks after he kissed Jennifer Hermoso following the Women's World Cup final
IMAGO/Sports Press Photo/Noe Llamas
Rubiales was suspended by FIFA two weeks ago, resulting in the RFEF appointing Pedro Rocha as acting president.
Despite this, Rubiales had previously refused to resign, having insisted that his kiss with Hermoso was consensual and "mutual".
However, he said in a statement on Sunday: "Today, at 21:30, I submitted my resignation as president of the RFEF to the acting president, Mr Pedro Rocha. I have also informed him that I have done the same with my position at UEFA so that my role as vice president can be replaced.
"Following the swift suspension by FIFA, along with the other ongoing procedures against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position. Insisting on waiting and clinging to it will not contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.
"Among other things, because there are powerful forces that will prevent my return."
Rubiales had previously told an RFEF extraordinary general assembly that he would not resign
IMAGO/Pacific Press Agency/Hugo Ortuno
He added: "I do not want Spanish football to be harmed by this disproportionate campaign, and above all, I make this decision after ensuring that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow Europe and Africa to remain united in the dream of 2030, which will bring the world's biggest event to our country.
"I must look forward, look to 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 love me have suffered the effects of an excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the streets, day by day, the truth is prevailing.
"From here, I send a warm 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 those who have supported me during these moments."
