Kiss Him Goodbye: Spanish FA Chief Luis Rubiales Quits over Kiss Scandal

By Jimmy

Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony.

The incident happened at the awards ceremony following the World Cup final, during which Luis Rubiales first embraced and then kissed the Spanish forward, Jenni Hermoso, on the lips. Hermoso later reacted to the kiss during a livestream, saying she “did not enjoy” it despite Rubiales claiming the kiss was “mutual and “consensual”.

Since occuring on August 20, the incident has caused outrage among players, government officials, and many in wider Spanish society and raised questions over sexism in sport. Hermoso also filed a legal complaint last Tuesday.

I cannot continue my work – Rubiales

The Spanish FA Chief announced his decision to resign on Sunday night following weeks of backlash, stating he had submitted his resignation to the Federation’s acting president Pedro Rocha. He has also resigned from his position as vice-president of UEFA’s executive committee.

“I cannot continue my work,” he told Piers Morgan on his television show.

Rubiales also said he hoped his departure would boost Spain’s joint bid with Morocco and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup.

He added: “I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to prevail. My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the street, more and more every day, the truth is prevailing.”

The fallout from the kiss has engulfed Spanish football in recent weeks and overshadowed Spain’s World Cup win. Some 81 Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, said they would not play for the national team again while Rubiales was in his position.

World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda – considered a close ally of Rubiales – was sacked on 5 September amid the scandal, with Montse Tome named as his successor.

SEE: Spain Football federation sacks women’s Coach Jorge Vilda amid Rubiales scandal

Politicians, footballers and celebrities have spoken out against Rubiales. Protesters also gathered at the federation’s headquarters last month to demand his resignation.

Rubiales could also be facing a potential jail term, as Hermoso’s complaint was one of sexual assault. Marta Durantez Gil has also added an allegation of coercion when filing to the high court after the forward told the prosecutor her relatives had been pressured by Rubiales and his “professional entourage” to say she “justified and approved what happened”.

Jadon Sancho to Al Ettifaq?

In other news, the fate of England International striker, Jadon Sancho at Manchester United is uncertain after he publicly responded to his manager, Erik ten Hag, who criticized his performance during training.

Al-Ettifaq, a team in the Saudi Pro League, was considering making a late move to sign the player before the transfer window in Saudi Arabia closed.

However, the player and the club have denied anything about Jadon Sancho potentially joining the Saudi side, which has recently transformed into one of the world’s biggest leagues since Cristiano Ronaldo joined in January.