Controversial Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales resigns after all: “But I will continue to defend my innocence”

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Controversial Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales, who unsolicitedly kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth shortly after the World Cup win on August 20, is resigning. “I cannot continue my work,” said Rubiales, who is also resigning as UEFA vice-president.

46-year-old Luis Rubiales submitted his resignation to Pedro Rocha, acting president of the Spanish Football Federation, on Sunday evening. “It is clear that I will not be able to return to my position,” Rubiales said in a statement. “Waiting longer and clinging to my position will not contribute anything positive, neither to the Football Association nor to Spanish football,” he stressed. Rubiales also leaves his position as vice-president of the European football association UEFA.

Rubiales, who has been president of the Spanish Football Federation since 2018, revealed the news in an exclusive interview with British journalist Piers Morgan. He also said conversations with his daughters and father had led him to resign. “Close friends told me: Luis, you must now focus on your dignity and continue your reading, otherwise you will harm the people you love and the sport you love,” Rubiales stated.

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During the ceremony after the Spanish women’s world title win on August 20, Rubiales kissed 33-year-old Jenni Hermoso on the lips without asking. The football star filed a report against the chairman at the beginning of this week. She also stated that she and her family members had been pressured into saying that she had consented to the kiss. That is why the Public Prosecution Service is also charging the association president with coercion.

World football association FIFA suspended Rubiales for 90 days at the end of August. The controversial chairman refused to resign for a long time.

The fact that he is now doing so is by no means an admission of guilt, as can be seen from a statement by Rubiales on X. “I will defend my decency. I will defend my innocence. I have confidence in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thank you everyone,” he wrote there.

According to Rubiales, there are “forces” that prevent his return to the association. “I will do everything in my power to ensure that the truth prevails. My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the consequences of unconscionable persecution and the many untruths. But every day the truth triumphs more and more,” the Spaniard added.

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