Luis Rubiales, Chief of the Spanish Football Federation, resigned after facing fierce criticism due to an event at the Women’s World Cup Victory Ceremony. He kissed Jenni Hermoso on her lips when she came on the stage during World Cup Win Ceremony Conducted in Spain. Rubiales has already been suspended from the position of federation’s interim president.
Rubiales tried to explain his decision about resigning from his position in a television interview. Previously, he resigned through an open letter.
In a television interview, Rubiales stated, “I’m going to (resign), yes, because I cannot continue my work,” Rubiales, 46, also added, “(Family and friends) say to me, ‘Luis, you need to focus on your dignity and continue your life. If not you are going to damage people you love and the sport you love.”
Rubiales faced worldwide criticism for forcibly kissing Hermoso, a midfielder, in a medal ceremony. This ceremony was conducted after Spain’s World Cup Win. The tournament was played in Sydney.
Initially, Rubiales refused to resign. However, FIFA suspended him for 90 days. Spanish public prosecutors also took action against him and filed a lawsuit where he was blamed for sexual assault and coercion. More importantly, Hermoso, 33, also filed a complaint on Tuesday in which he formally accused the chief of sexual assault at the National Court.
The open letter is also available that Rubiales published on Sunday night. In this letter, he said, “After the swift suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of the procedures opened against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position.”. He also said, “Insisting on waiting and clinging to it is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither for the federation nor for Spanish football. Among other things, because there are powers that will prevent my return. I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power so that it prevails.”
