Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales has finally quit after his kiss row – saying he “can’t continue” in an interview with Piers Morgan.
Rubiales revealed is resigning following the scandal over him kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup Final.
Luis Rubiales has resigned as Spanish FA boss Credit: Talk TV
Rubiales caused a worldwide storm by kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the Women’s World Cup Final. Credit: Enterprise
Rubiales revealed the bombshell news in an interview with Piers Morgan Credit: Talk TV
He formally announced his resignation from the Spanish FA and from his UEFA vice-presidency tonight after Piers tweeted a clip of his bombshell announcement.
Asked by Piers whether he would resign in the interview, Rubiales said: “I am going to – of course I cannot continue my work.”
Rubiales explained that he made the decision after speaking with his father and his daughters.
He said: “They know it’s not a question about me.
“Some friends very close to me said ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and continue your life – if not, you are probably going to damage people you love and the sport you love’.
“This is more a question of not only me. In this situation now it is more intelligent and the thing I had to do.”
After news of his resignation broke, Rubiales tweeted: “I will defend my honour. I will defend my innocence.
“I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth.
“Thanks everyone.”
Rubiales spoke about his relationship with his daughters before making the bombshell announcement.
He said: “I love my daughters so much, and they love me so, so much.
“I’m very proud of them. They are very close to me.”
In his defiant resignation letter, Rubiales writes: “It is clear that I will not be able to return to my position.
“I do not want Spanish football to be harmed by this entirely disproportionate campaign.”
On Wednesday World Cup Champion Jenni Hermoso presented a complaint of sexual assault against Rubiales to the Spanish prosecutors office.
The footballer has laid low after FA president Rubiales, 46, kissed her on the lips at last month’s final — sparking outrage.
State prosecutors are now expected to ask a Spanish court to place the 46-year-old under criminal investigation in the next few days.
It’s the first formal complaint from Hermoso, 33, following the non consensual kiss after Spain’s victory.
She lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office – as the public ministry will present an official complaint soon against Rubiales soon.
A judge at Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid will be tasked with conducting the probe and deciding whether Rubiales should face charges before inviting prosecutors to indict the suspended Spanish FA president.
Rubiales’ formal resignation letter
Credit: The Sun
