Spanish FA Urge President Luis Rubiales to Resign Over Jenni Hermoso Kiss Scandal

The Spanish FA (RFEF) have released a statement urging their own president Luis Rubiales to resign over the Jenni Hermoso kiss scandal.

Rubiales was pictured grabbing Hermoso and kissing the player on the lips during Spain’s celebrations after beating England in the Women’s World Cup final.

Spanish prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation over Rubiales and are looking into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault.

Jenni Hermoso’s Version of Events

Hermoso says that the kiss was not consensual and has confirmed that she will not play for Spain again until Rubiales has been sacked, while her international team-mates have joined her in solidarity.

RFEF chief Rubiales, 46, still remains in his post despite being provisionally suspended by FIFA.

Rubiales Refuses to Resign

An emergency assembly was called last Friday in which Rubiales was expected to resign, but instead he gave an astonishing speech in which he hit out at his critics and insisted he would not leave.

The RFEF later revealed they would be taking legal action against Hermoso and accused her of ‘lying’ about her version of events, even presenting images they claimed showed she had instigated the interaction and lifted the federation president off his feet.

RFEF Urge Rubiales to Resign

But they appear to have made a U-turn and have now urged Rubiales to resign in statement.

The statement read: ‘Once the meeting of the Commission of Presidents of Regional and Territorial Federations of the RFEF has finished, the following agreements are unanimously made known to the world of football and society:

‘After the latest events and the unacceptable behaviours that have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football, the presidents request that Mr. Luis Rubiales immediately present his resignation as president of the RFEF.

‘We warmly congratulate the women’s soccer team for their victory in the World Cup. We value the meaning and legacy of success for Spanish sport. We express our admiration and gratitude to an unrepeatable group of players and we extend our congratulations to all those who have built, over the years with determination, the growth of women’s football.’

The RFEF also urged President Pedro Rocha to immediately withdraw the last communication on behalf of the Federation with FIFA and UEFA that they had known, and expressed their commitment to continue implementing its investment, as well as equality policies for the development of women’s football.

Conclusion

It remains to be seen if Rubiales will take heed of his fellow presidents’ advice and resign. However, it is clear that the Spanish FA are taking this incident very seriously and are determined to ensure that justice is served.