Luis Rubiales resigns as Spanish FA president after Jenni Hermoso kiss
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 11 Sept 2023 07:38 BST
- 3 min read
Luis Rubiales has resigned as the Spanish Football Federation's president after he kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso during the Women's World Cup final trophy ceremony.
Rubiales, 46, was suspended by FIFA following the kiss and he revealed he will step down from his position as president of Spain's Football Federation during an interview with Piers Morgan.
He has also released a statement to say that he has handed in his resignation to Pedro Rocha, the acting president of the Spanish Football Federation.
It comes after Spain's FA called for Rubiales to step down after he kissed Hermoso following the country's victory in the Women's World Cup final. Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual.
Rubiales has also resigned from his post as vice-president of UEFA's executive committee.
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What did Rubiales say?
During an interview with Morgan on Talk TV's 'Piers Morgan Uncensored', Rubiales announced his retirement. He said: "I'm going to [resign]. I cannot continue my work."
When asked why he has decided to resign, Rubiales replied: "My father, my daughters, I spoke with them. They know it's not a question about me.
BREAKING: Luis Rubiales has sensationally resigned as President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation following the scandal over him kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup Final. He revealed the news in a world exclusive interview for @PiersUncensored pic.twitter.com/Kl2uQTOzqv
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 10, 2023
"Some friends, very close to me, they say 'Luis, you have to focus on your dignity and to continue your life, because you know probably that you are going to damage people you love and the sport you love.'"
The Spanish women's national team had said they would not play again until Rubiales was removed from his post. Hermoso also filed a lawsuit against Rubiales, accusing him of sexual assault.
Rubiales, on the other hand, stated the kiss was consensual and had previously refused to resign. "There was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both," Rubiales had said.
"The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm," he concluded.
