Luis Rubiales will quit just days after a Spanish prosecutor filed a complaint against him for sexual assault and coercion. Photo: PA/Mike Egerton
Luis Rubiales resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] and vice-president of UEFA following a sexism scandal that rocked Spain and the world of football.
Rubiales has faced numerous calls to resign since kissing Spain striker Jenny Hermoso on the lips after the Women's World Cup final last month. He says he made the decision to leave after being confident his departure would boost Spain's hopes of co-hosting the 2030 Men's World Cup and as he feels it is «clear» he will not be able to return to his position , citing: «de facto forces that will block my return» in a letter on his social media.
The 46-year-old player has been suspended by FIFA since August 26 amid ongoing disciplinary and judicial proceedings. Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual, and on Friday a Spanish prosecutor filed a complaint against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion.
After initially announcing his resignation in an interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan, Rubiales said he was resigning because he «couldn't continue» in the job and said his family helped him make the decision.
URGENT: Luis Rubiales sensationally resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation after the scandal surrounding his kiss with Spaniard Jenny Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final. He spoke about this news in an exclusive interview with @PiersUncensored pic.twitter.com/Kl2uQTOzqv
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 10, 2023 
Rubiales' interview with Piers Morgan will be available to stream
Later, confirming the news in a letter published on his social media accounts, Rubiales added: “Today at 21:30 I informed Pedro Rocha of my resignation as President of the RFEF. I also informed him that I had done the same in relation to my position at UEFA so that I could be replaced as vice-president.
“Following an early disqualification by FIFA, as well as other proceedings open against me , it is clear that I will not be able to return to my position. Insisting on waiting out the situation and clinging to it will not bring anything positive for either the Federation or Spanish football. Among other things, because there are de facto forces that will block my return.
“I do not want Spanish football to suffer from this whole disproportionate campaign and, above all, I take this decision after assuring myself that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow Europe and Africa to remain united for the dream of 2030 , which will allow us to host the world's largest event in our country.»
Rubiales further vowed to do everything in his power to «ensure that the truth will prevail,» apparently referring to the allegations against him.
Eighty-one players from the Spanish women's national team have announced that they will not play for the team. while he remained in the federation. The RFEF initially supported Rubiales, but last Tuesday they issued a humiliating apology to the world for Rubiales' behavior and promised sweeping reforms.
Reacting to the news, Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz, who openly called for Rubiales to resign after the World Cup final, said: “This feminist country is growing faster and faster. Transforming and improving our lives cannot be stopped. We are with you, Jenny, and with all women.»
Rubiales' full interview with Morgan will air on TalkTV on Tuesday at 8pm BST, but on Sunday night a headline was released in which Morgan asks Rubiales if he plans to step down as president, in a question framed around the potential situation . his daughters and the rest of his family found it difficult to cope, and Rubiales responded: “I love my daughters so much and they love me so much, I'm very proud of them, they're very close to me. As for my resignation, yes, I'm going to do it.»
The TV presenter then tried to clarify the situation. that Rubiales was going to retire, and he replied: “Yes, because I cannot continue my work.”
When asked what helped him make this decision, he continued: “Yes, my father, my daughters, I talked to them and they know that this is not a question about me. Some friends who are very close to me say to me: “Louis, now you need to focus on dignity and get on with your life, because otherwise you will probably harm the people you love and the sport you love.”< /p >
“When someone thinks not only about themselves, because I had to support a lot during these three weeks, but this is rather a question not only of me and my attitude can very important influence third parties. In this situation, it makes more sense now, and I had to do it.”
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