Luis Rubiales resigns as president of the Spanish football federation

Luis Rubialeswhich was already suspended for 90 days by FIFA as president of Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)announced this Sunday (10) that she is resigning from her position after the conflict caused by her actions after the final of the last women’s football World Cup, when she touched her genitals in the stands and, on the lawn, at the awards ceremony, she gave a kiss in the player’s mouth Jenni Hermoso.

In a statement published on his account on the social network X (new Twitter name), Rubiales announced that he had communicated to the interim president of the RFEF, Pedro Rochahis resignation and that he did the same in relation to the post of vice-president of UEFA.

The leader highlighted that, given FIFA’s “quick provisional suspension” for 90 days and the other cases opened against him, he understands that “it is clear” that he will not be able to return to his position, so he “insists” on remaining “on standby” it will not contribute “to anything positive”, neither to the RFEF itself, “nor to Spanish football”.

Rubiales also said he was certain that his departure would bring the “stability” necessary for Spain, Portugal and Morocco’s joint bid for the 2030 World Cup to be successful.

He emphasized that “there are powers that will prevent” his return, recalled the achievements of his administration in the five years he was president of the RFEF and stated that he does not want Spanish football “to be harmed”.

“I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to make it prevail,” Rubiales said, adding that his daughters, his family and his loved ones “have suffered the effects of excessive persecution, in addition to many falsehoods, but also It is true that on the streets, more and more every day, the truth is prevailing”.

He concluded the letter by wishing good luck to staff, assembly members, federation members and football fans, and thanked those who supported him.

Rubiales gives his reasons

In addition to doing so on this note, Rubiales announced his resignation in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan on the program “Piers Morgan Uncensored”.

“I’m going to do it, of course I can’t continue with my job,” declared Rubiales after Morgan asked him if the time had come for him to leave in the face of continued pressure, explaining that he made the decision after talking to his father and daughters. .

“They know it’s not about me. Some very close friends told me: ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and get on with your life, otherwise you will probably harm the people you love and the sport. that he loves”, he claimed.

Rubiales said he had to “put up with a lot” in the last three weeks, but acknowledged that the issue does not only affect him, but that his attitude could harm “third parties”.

“It’s the smartest thing to do and what I have to do,” he added.

Why did Rubiales resign?

Luis Rubiales, 46 years old, leaves the RFEF after the events that occurred after the women’s football World Cup final and after guaranteeing, at the entity’s last Extraordinary General Assembly, on August 25, that he would not resign. He ended up suspended by FIFA, which led to Pedro Rocha becoming interim president of the Spanish federation.

The events caused numerous adverse reactions in Spain and around the world, as even the Public Prosecutor’s Office filed a complaint at the Spanish National Audience (higher court) against him and asked for an investigation into the crimes of sexual assault and coercion in relation to the kiss that Rubiales it hit Jenni Hermoso.

Furthermore, the Sports Administrative Court (TAD) also opened proceedings against the manager for possible serious misconduct due to his behavior.

Luis Rubiales’ resignation opens the door for elections to elect a new head of the RFEF to fulfill the remainder of his term, until the end of 2024, according to the entity’s statute.

Rubiales took command of the RFEF on May 17, 2018, succeeding Ángel María Villar, after winning the election against Juan Luis Larrea, until then treasurer of the federation, by a score of 80 votes to 56.