Luis Rubiales has confirmed he has resigned from the Spanish FA and UEFA after kissing Spain World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso during the trophy presentation at last month’s final
Luis Rubiales has stepped down from his roles with the Spanish FA and UEFA over his kiss with Jenni Hermoso
Luis Rubiales has issued an official statement confirming his resignation from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and UEFA after he dropped the bombshell news in an interview with Piers Morgan.
The 46-year-old has stepped down from his role as RFEF president three weeks on from Spain’s women winning the World Cup final and his controversial kiss with Jenni Hermoso which has led to him walking away from his post. Rubiales’ actions during the trophy presentation caused uproar and he has now tendered his resignation, conceding to Morgan: “I can’t continue.”
At the time the Talk TV broadcast went public, Rubiales tweeted his official statement from his X account, writing: “Good night. Today I transmitted at 9:30 p.m. to the acting President, Mr. Pedro Rocha, my resignation from the position of President of the RFEF.
“I have also informed you that I have done the same with my position at UEFA so that my position in the Vice Presidency can be replaced. After the quick suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of open proceedings against me, it is evident that I will be able to return to my position.
“Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the Federation nor to Spanish football. Among other things, because there are de facto powers that will prevent me. There is the management of my team and, above all, the happiness that I I have the enormous privilege of these more than 5 years at the head of the RFEF.
“I do not want Spanish football to be harmed. This whole campaign is so disproportionate and, above all, I take this decision after having assured myself that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to continue united in the dream of 2030, which will allow our country to bring the biggest event in the world.
“I must look forward, look to the future. Now there is something that concerns me firmly. I have faith in the truth and I will do everything be in my power to prevail. My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of persecution excessive, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the street, more and more every day, the truth is prevailing.
“From here I transmit to all the workers, assembly members, federations and football people in general, a big hug, wishing you good luck. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during these times. Luis Manuel Rubiales Bejar.”
Rubiales’ actions come after Hermoso filed a legal complaint accusing him of sexual assault in the incident during the trophy presentation. Rubiales had continually insisted the kiss was “mutual and consensual” - claims Hermoso refuted.
Despite his position becoming untenable, Rubiales was initially adamant he would not resign and would rally against the backlash. The RFEF also backed their president and vowed to expose Hermoso’s ‘lies’, but quickly reneged on that stance by suspending Rubiales after FIFA had banned him from all football activity.
Rubiales confirmed his resignation in an interview with Piers Morgan
Asked by Morgan what convinced Rubiales to quit, he explained how it was discussions with his father and his daughters which ultimately made his mind up. “They know it’s not a question about me,” he said. “Some friends very close to me said ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and continue your life - if not, you are probably going to damage people you love and the sport you love’. In this situation now, this is the thing that I have to do.”
Regardless of his resignation, Rubiales is still adamant he has been the victim of a witch-hunt. His tweet which shared the statement said defiantly: “I will defend my honorability. I will defend my innocence. I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thank you all.”
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