Rubiales resigns as president of the Spanish Federation after forced kiss

sexual harassment

Rubiales was already suspended from his position as president of the Spanish Federation by FIFA

Luis Rubiales announced, this Sunday (10), his resignation as president of the Spanish federation and his post as vice-president of UEFA after being denounced by striker Jenni Hermoso for sexual assault. The leader published a letter on social media, where he states that he will defend his innocence and guarantees that he has faith in the “truth”.

“Today, at 9:30 p.m. [19h30 GMT], I transmitted to the acting president, Mr. Pedro Rocha, my resignation from the position of president of the RFEF. my position at UEFA, so that my position in the vice-presidency can be replaced”,

begins Rubiales in this text.

“After the quick suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the remaining proceedings opened against me, it is clear that I will not be able to return to my position. , nor the Federation or Spanish football. Among other things because there are de facto powers that will prevent my return”,

to be continued.

Rubiales insists that with his departure he wants to contribute to the tranquility of Spanish football and to the strength of the candidacy of Spain, Portugal and Morocco for the 2030 World Cup.

“I don’t want Spanish football to be harmed by this disproportionate campaign and, above all, I take this decision after being sure that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow Europe and Africa to remain united in the dream of 2030. , which will allow us to bring the biggest event in the world to our country”,

ensures.

Rubiales was suspended from his position as president of the Spanish Federation by FIFA. Last Tuesday, the RFEF, under interim command, announced the dismissal of the national team coach, Jorge Vilda, a supporter of Rubiales.

Recently, Jenni Hermoso denounced Luis Rubiales for the forced kiss during the Women’s World Cup award ceremony to the Public Ministry of Spain, which wasted no time and accepted the request. The case was then opened against Rubiales for the crimes of sexual assault and coercion.

Understand the case

On August 20, Spain won the Women’s World Cup after beating England 1-0. At the medal ceremony, RFEF president Luis Rubiales hugged striker Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips. of the player, without her being able to consent to the action. Hours later, in the locker room, she was asked about the situation and declared “I didn’t like it”, in addition to stating that there was nothing to do at the moment.

The act generated repercussions on social media and mobilized politicians and sports figures. The Spanish press reported that the director tried to convince Hermoso to appear in a video with him to minimize the seriousness of the accusations, even using the daughters’ names in the plea, but she denied it. Initially, he had tried to force the kiss as a “joke between friends”, in a moment of celebration, but after the criticism, he changed the strategy.

In the recording, he stated: “I certainly made a mistake, I have to admit it. In a moment of maximum effusiveness, without any bad intention or bad faith, what happened happened, very spontaneously.”

*With information from the Extra website

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