Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales resigns after criticizing the kiss at the Women’s World Cup
uis Rubiales has announced his resignation as president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after he was criticized for kissing Spain striker Jenni Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup final.
During an interview on the Piers Morgan Uncensored TV show, he said he “cannot continue my work.”
Rubiales kissed the midfielder on the lips during the trophy presentation after Spain’s win over England, but Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual.
FIFA suspended Rubiales pending investigation into his conduct, and Hermoso filed a complaint with prosecutors on Wednesday, which is now pending in Spain’s Supreme Court.
Rubiales said to Morgan: “On my resignation – yes, I will do it.” Of course I cannot continue my work.”
The 46-year-old added: “My father, my daughters, I’ve spoken to them … and some friends who are very close to me and they say to me, ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and your dignity carry on.’ Life.’
“Because knowing that you are likely to harm the people you love and the sport you love… in this situation, that’s exactly what I need to do.”
Luis Rubiales
/ AFP via Getty ImagesRubiales is also set to step down as UEFA vice-president but appeared to remain defending his version of events.
“I believe in the truth and will do everything in my power to enforce it,” he said.
The former footballer initially refused to back down in the face of criticism from politicians like the Spanish Prime Minister, his men’s and women’s football teams and international stars like the Lionesses.
The England players issued a joint statement in support of Hermoso, saying: “Unacceptable acts allowed by a sexist and patriarchal organization.”
“Abuse is abuse and we’ve all seen the truth.”
The RFEF apologized Tuesday and announced the dismissal of world champion coach Jorge Vilda the same day.
The 42-year-old was the only member of the Spain women’s backcourt team not to resign in protest at Rubiales’ earlier refusal to resign. Vilda also applauded Rubiales at an RFEF extraordinary general assembly on August 25, when the latter said he would not resign.
It’s not yet clear if Vilda’s sacking and Rubiales’ retirement will be enough to get Spain’s World Cup-winning squad back into action for the Nations League games against Sweden and Switzerland later this month cause.
The 23 players were among a group of 81 players who said they would not make themselves available for international duty until Rubiales had stepped down.
As well as his behavior towards Hermoso, Rubiales was also criticized for grabbing his crotch in celebration of Spain’s victory while standing in the stadium’s VIP area, just meters from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/spanish-football-boss-luis-rubiales-resigns-criticism-women-s-world-cup-kiss-jenni-hermoso-b1106084.html Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales resigns after criticizing the kiss at the Women’s World Cup
