Luis Rubiales, the President of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), has announced his resignation following his “kissing” scandal. In an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan, Rubiales explained that he took this move to defend his innocence.
Rubiales took to Twitter to share his decision publicly, stating, “I will defend my honourability. I will defend my innocence. I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thanks to everybody.” He accompanied this message with a photo of the Spanish flag.
In a formal statement released prior to his tweet, Rubiales revealed his resignation to Pedro Rocha, the acting President, and also relinquished his position at UEFA. He acknowledged that he could not return to his post, given FIFA’s rapid suspension and other ongoing investigations against him.
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Rubiales emphasized the need for stability within Spanish football and the importance of supporting the dream of hosting the 2030 event. He stated, “I must look forward, look to the future. Now there is something that occupies me firmly. I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to make it prevail.”
The controversy began when Rubiales faced accusations of sexual assault and coercion stemming from an unsolicited kiss on Spanish international Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s World Cup victory over England.
Hermoso filed a formal complaint, alleging that the kiss was non-consensual and left her feeling vulnerable.
Rubiales had previously described the kiss as consensual and a product of the joyous moment. However, the incident led to widespread protests, a 90-day suspension from FIFA, and a public apology from the Spanish FA.
Throughout the ordeal, Rubiales’ mother, Angeles Bejar, launched a hunger strike at a church in Motril, Spain, to encourage Hermoso to “tell the truth” about the kiss. She remained resolute, stating, “My son is very honest. If she tells the truth, everything will be fixed.”
