Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Federation, announced on Sunday, the 10th of September, that he will resign following criticism over a kiss he gave to Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup award ceremony, reports BBC.
Rubiales has announced that he is unable to continue in his job and has reportedly resigned as vice-president of UEFA’s executive committee. He announced his resignation to the federation’s acting president, Pedro Rocha, and shared the news in an interview with Piers Morgan on his television show.
The controversy surrounding the kiss has engulfed Spanish football,
even overshadowing Spain’s victory at the World Cup.
In the beginning Luis Rubiales ignored calls for his resignation.
On Friday, the 8th of September, a prosecutor filed a complaint with the Spanish high court accusing Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion, after 33-year-old Hermoso filed a formal complaint about the incident in court on Wednesday, the 6th of September.
Rubiales has claimed that the kiss was “consensual” and “mutual”.
In his statement, Rubiales admitted that he would not be able to return to his post because of the ongoing legal proceedings against him. He added that he has faith in the truth and would do everything in his power to win.
Politicians, footballers, and celebrities have criticised Rubiales
and protesters outside the federation’s headquarters have also demanded his resignation. Spain’s acting Labour Minister, Yolanda Diaz, expressed her support for Jenni and women, celebrating the progress of the feminist movement. Irene Montero, Spain’s Minister for Equality, declared “It’s over”, showing a significant response to the situation.
The Court is responsible for bringing formal charges against Rubiales. Under Spanish law, sexual assault can result in a fine or up to four years in prison.
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