Luis Rubiales falls to pressure resigns as Spanish FA president

• Luis Rubiales has confirmed he has resigned as the President of the Spanish FA
• Accusers accuse Rubiales of non-consensually kissing Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup
• He has been facing immense pressure to ask him to resign from the role

Luis Rubiales has officially stepped down from his position as the President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) following a controversial incident during the 2023 Women’s World Cup. This decision comes after immense pressure and a legal complaint filed against him by Jenni Hermoso, a star player on the Spanish women’s national team. The incident in question was Rubiales’ non-consensual kiss on Hermoso during the medal ceremony celebrating Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final.

The kiss that took place on live television during the medal ceremony immediately drew attention and criticism. Jenni Hermoso, upon being kissed on the lips by Rubiales, openly expressed her discomfort, stating that she “didn’t like it.” This public rebuke by the player highlighted the inappropriate nature of Rubiales’ actions.

Despite mounting public outrage and calls for his resignation, Rubiales initially clung to his position as RFEF president. He resisted stepping down despite increasing pressure from various quarters, including Hermoso herself. In an attempt to diffuse the situation and protect Rubiales, the RFEF asked Hermoso to issue a statement in support of the president. Additionally, there were reports that the RFEF had tried to pressure Hermoso’s friends and family to persuade her to make a statement backing Rubiales, further fueling the controversy surrounding the incident.

In the wake of these events, FIFA suspended Rubiales, and even Spain’s men’s national team publicly condemned his actions.The non-consensual kiss united the international football community, as well as the public, in their disapproval.

READ: Luis Rubiales, Spanish football boss always courting controversy

Now resigned Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales is accused of non-consensually kissing Span Women’s international Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final celebrations. | PHOTO: beIN Sports |

Finally, after weeks of controversy and legal proceedings, Luis Rubiales announced his resignation as RFEF president. In a written statement, Rubiales acknowledged the untenable nature of his position, saying, “After the suspension from FIFA, plus all the other proceedings opened against me, it’s evident that I cannot go back to my position. Insisting on waiting and holding on will not contribute anything positive, not to the federation nor to Spanish football.”

He also expressed his belief in the truth and his determination to ensure it prevails, suggesting that he and those who support him have faced an “excessive persecution” and “many lies.”

In an interview with Piers Morgan, Rubiales shed light on the factors that led to his resignation. He disclosed that he had consulted with his family, including his father and daughters, as well as close friends who advised him to prioritize his dignity and the well-being of those he cares about. Rubiales emphasized that his decision to resign was not solely about himself but also about preventing potential harm to others and safeguarding the sport he loves. He acknowledged that his actions had far-reaching consequences, not just for him but also for important third parties, including the 2030 World Cup bid that he had been instrumental in building.

Luis Rubiales’ resignation marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in Spanish football. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal boundaries and consent, even in high-pressure, celebratory moments. As the football world moves forward, the focus can now shift back to the game itself and the bid to host the 2030 World Cup, as Rubiales’ departure aims to pave the way for a more stable future in Spanish football and international sporting events.