Luis Rubiales, 46, officially stepped down from his post as the president of the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) on Sunday and as UEFA’s vice president. He was subject of a scandal earlier this summer after he forcibly kissed on the lips midfielder Jenni Hermoso after the World Cup final, when the Spanish women’s national team’s won the World Cup. Previously FIFA had already suspended Luis Rubiales for 90 days. „After the suspension from FIFA, plus all the other proceedings opened against me, it’s evident that I cannot go back to my position,” he said in a letter to the federation. The entire Spanish women’s team and at least one men’s national team player said they wouldn’t play again until he resigned.
Hermoso filed a criminal complaint last week, which led to prosecutors filing a case with Spain’s top court against Rubiales. He could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty.Rubiales had previously refused to resign despite the pressure that mounted on him in recent weeks, blaming „false feminism.” Rubiales said his decision to resign now is meant to avoid further fallout for Spanish football. FIFA’s investigation could lead to a ban him from football for as long as 15 years, according to reports.
