Luis Rubiales Resigns as President of Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), has announced his resignation following a controversial incident during the Women’s World Cup. Rubiales faced heavy criticism after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony following Spain’s victory over England in Sydney last month. While Hermoso claimed that the kiss was not consensual, Rubiales maintained that it was and vowed to defend his position.
In an interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, Rubiales confirmed that he could no longer continue in his role. He stated, “I am going to resign – of course I cannot continue my work.” Rubiales revealed that he made the decision after consulting with his father and daughters, who advised him to prioritize his dignity and move forward with his life. They emphasized that staying in his position could potentially harm his loved ones and the sport he holds dear.
Following this announcement, Rubiales released an official statement confirming his resignation from the RFEF as well as his role as UEFA vice president. This move marks the end of his tenure as the head of Spanish football’s governing body, a position he held since 2018.
The incident that led to Rubiales’ resignation occurred during the medal ceremony after Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup. As the players lined up to receive their medals, Rubiales approached Hermoso and kissed her on the lips. The act sparked controversy, with Hermoso later stating that she did not give her consent for the kiss. However, Rubiales insisted that the kiss was consensual and expressed his intention to defend himself against any accusations.
The incident drew widespread criticism from fans, players, and officials alike. Many argued that Rubiales’ actions were inappropriate and violated personal boundaries. The controversy surrounding the incident intensified when Hermoso publicly stated that the kiss was not consensual, contradicting Rubiales’ claims.
Rubiales’ decision to step down as president of the RFEF and UEFA vice president comes as a surprise to many. Despite the criticism he faced, Rubiales had initially shown no signs of resigning and remained steadfast in his defense of the incident. However, it appears that the advice from his loved ones and the potential damage to his reputation and the sport ultimately influenced his decision.
Rubiales’ resignation leaves a void in Spanish football leadership. The RFEF will now have to appoint a new president who can steer the federation forward and address the challenges facing Spanish football. The incident involving Rubiales and Hermoso has also sparked a broader conversation about consent and appropriate behavior in sports, highlighting the need for greater awareness and education on these issues.
As Rubiales steps down from his position, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact his future involvement in football. While he may no longer hold a leadership role, Rubiales’ experience and knowledge could still be valuable in other capacities within the sport. It is up to him to decide how he will navigate this situation and move forward.
In conclusion, Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) following a controversial incident during the Women’s World Cup. Rubiales’ decision comes after facing criticism for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony. Despite maintaining that the kiss was consensual, Rubiales has chosen to prioritize his dignity and step down from his position. This resignation leaves a vacancy in Spanish football leadership, and the incident has sparked a broader conversation about consent and appropriate behavior in sports. As Rubiales moves forward, it remains to be seen how this incident will shape his future involvement in football.