After being suspended for a kissing scandal that tainted Spains triumph at the Womens Football World Cup, Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, resigned from his position.This is what Luis had to sayOn Sunday, he posted a message on X in which he announced his resignation.Defenderé mi honorabilidad.Defenderé mi inocencia.Tengo Fe en el futuro.Tengo Fe en la verdad.Gracias a todos. 🇪🇸https://t.co/yS9rM1HBTm— Luis Rubiales (@LuisRubiales17) September 10, 2023In a statement, he said, “After my swift suspension by FIFA and the rest of the cases building against me, it is clear that I cannot return to the post.”“The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirms that Luis M. Rubiales Béjar has presented his resignation tonight, the RFEF said in a statement. “This has been made known to the federative entity through a letter to Pedro Rocha Junco. In addition, he also resigned from his position as vice president of UEFA.”The federations board of directors will now call an election to find a successor.The suspended president vowed to clear his name against what he called an excessive persecution.Flashback to the WC finalOn August 20 in Sydney, Australia, after Spain defeated England to win the championship, Rubiales gave star player Jenni Hermoso an uninvited kiss on the lips at the awards presentation.(Image source: Twitter/X)Accusations or the truthThe 46-year-old previously apologized and described the kiss as mutual, a claim Hermoso later denied, saying she did not consent and was not respected.Rubiales vs. the WorldHermoso and around 50 other professional female soccer players, including all 23 members of Spains World Cup-winning team, declared they would not compete for their country again unless Rubiales was fired. The next game for the national team is on September 22.(Image source: Twitter/X)As the dispute continued, some male and female football teams showed their support for Hermoso at their games by holding shirts, donning wristbands and raising banners.Odds against LuisTwo days after Hermoso formally accused Rubiales of sexual assault, state prosecutors in Spain charged him with sexual assault and harassment following the unwelcome kiss.FIFA act on the incidentFIFA had previously placed him on administrative leave for his actions during the final. The vice president of UEFA also quit, according to Rubiales.Rocha to the rescueWhen Rubiales was suspended on August 26, Pedro Rocha took over as the interim president of the Spanish federation, and Rubiales claimed that Rocha was informed of his resignation late Sunday night.The head of Spains biggest players union and a former player is 46 years old. Since 2018, he has been the federations leader.Also Sunday, Rubiales said “I am going to (resign), I cannot continue my work,” on Britains Talk TV.
