After the kiss scandal: Spanish association president Rubiales resigned

“Yes, I will resign. Because I cannot continue my work,” said the 46-year-old in a letter on Sunday evening. Rubiales kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth on August 20th while honoring the Spanish world champion team after the final against England (1-0).

She later filed a complaint. A Spanish prosecutor filed a lawsuit against Rubiales for sexual assault in the Supreme Court last week. Despite global outrage, the suspension by the world association (FIFA), a strike by the national players and a wave of resignations among the coaching staff of the women’s national team, Rubiales initially held on to his position. Now he drew the consequences. The Spanish association confirmed on Monday morning that RFEF interim president Pedro Rocha had received a request for resignation from Rubiales.

Rubiales will also not continue his work as vice president of UEFA. “Following the swift suspension by FIFA and the other proceedings brought against me, it is clear that I cannot return to my position,” Rubiales said in his statement. Waiting and holding on will do “neither the association nor Spanish football anything good. Among other things, because there are de facto forces that will prevent my return,” he added.

Rubiales insists the kiss was consensual. “I believe in the truth and will do everything in my power to ensure it prevails.” Rubiales also gave an interview to British journalist Piers Morgan on Sunday about his resignation. The episode of the talk show “Piers Morgan Uncensored” has not yet been broadcast, but the presenter published a short excerpt of the conversation via social media.