Luis Rubiales, the embattled head of Spain’s football federation, has resigned — three weeks after his unsolicited kiss on Spain forward Jennifer Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup set off worldwide condemnation.
Rubiales said Sunday in an exclusive interview on “Piers Morgan Uncensored” that he “cannot continue my work.”
Morgan asked Rubiales — who had already been suspended by FIFA for 90 days while it investigated his conduct — what contributed to his decision.
“My father, my daughters, I spoke with them,” Rubiales said. “Some friends, very close to me, and they say to me, ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and to continue your life cause you know probably you are going to damage people you love and the sport you love.’ ”
Rubiales also posted a message on social media.
“After the suspension from FIFA, plus all the other proceedings opened against me, it’s evident that I cannot go back to my position,” Rubiales wrote, according to a translated version of his statement by DAZN’s Alex Ibaceta.
“Insisting on waiting and holding on will not contribute anything positive, not to the federation nor to Spanish football. I am making this decision after assuring my exit would contribute to the stability that will allow Europe and Africa to stay united in the dream of 2030, that will allow to bring the biggest event in the world to our country.
“I have faith in the truth and I am going to do everything in my power so it prevails.”
Rubiales had kissed Hermoso on the lips during the podium celebration after Spain’s women’s team captured its first World Cup title.
The unsolicited kiss was caught on camera and beamed across the world to millions of soccer fans watching live.
The Spanish soccer federation president had resisted calls to resign, despite criticism coming from across the sport, as well as some of the highest levels of Spain’s government.
Rubiales had insisted the kiss was consensual, saying in a fiery speech that he was the victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.”
Hermoso has denied that in a statement put forth by her and her players’ union. Spain’s players have said they wouldn’t play for the national team again if changes were not made to the federation and the controversy has overshadowed the on-field achievements that took place during the World Cup.