Kiss Scandal: Luis Rubiales resigns as president of Spanish FA

Luis Rubiales, under scrutiny for a controversial kiss on Spain forward Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony, has stepped down from his position as president of the Spanish Football Federation.

The 33-year-old Hermoso, asserting that the kiss after Spain’s victory over England was non-consensual, filed a legal complaint last Tuesday.

In a statement, Rubiales announced his resignation and submitted it to the acting president of the federation, Pedro Rocha.

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

The 46-year-old has stepped down from his role as vice-president of Uefa’s executive committee.

The repercussions of the controversial kiss have dominated Spanish football headlines in recent weeks, casting a shadow over Spain’s World Cup victory, despite repeated calls for Rubiales to resign.

On Friday, a prosecutor lodged a formal complaint with Spain’s high court, following Jenni Hermoso’s testimony on Tuesday, accusing Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion.

Rubiales asserted that the kiss was “mutual” and “consensual,” but he had already been provisionally suspended by FIFA, the global governing body of football.

“After the quick suspension carried out by Fifa, plus the rest of open proceedings against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position,” Rubiales’ statement read.

“Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.”