Spain FA President Rubiales Resigns After Kiss With Player at FWWC Final

Luis Rubiales, the President of the Spanish Football Federation who was suspended, has officially resigned. This decision comes three weeks after an incident where he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s victory over England, securing their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup (FWWC) title in Sydney, Australia.

Rubiales, in a message posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sunday, stated that he is unable to resume his position following his prompt suspension by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

He then went on to announce his official resignation during an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan.

Rubiales stated that due to his swift suspension by FIFA and the accumulation of other cases against him, it is evident that he cannot resume his position.

“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,” Rubiales said.

FIFA had already temporarily suspended him from his job due to his conduct at the final.
Rubiales stated that he had informed Pedro Rocha, the interim president of the Spanish federation, about his resignation.

Rubiales will also be stepping down from his role as a vice president at UEFA, the European football governing body that compensates him with an annual salary of 250,000 euros ($268,000).

Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish female footballer involved in the incident, has filed a criminal complaint against Rubiales regarding the kissing incident.

Last Tuesday, Hermoso provided her testimony, potentially exposing Rubiales to criminal charges regarding their interactions.

Rubiales’ resignation had been long expected, but he came and announced he would not be resigning over the issue.