'Forced Kiss' Spanish Football Association President Finally Resigns Voluntarily

Last Month at Women's World Cup, Player Kissed
He Claimed Consent, but Player Denied
Not Admitting Sexual Crime... "Doing Our Best for Truth to Prevail"

Last month, Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, sparked controversy by forcibly kissing a player during the FIFA Women's World Cup award ceremony. On the 10th (local time), he ultimately resigned voluntarily. Despite resisting calls to step down, he maintained his stance that he was being excessively persecuted but stated that he was resigning to avoid negatively impacting the football association.

On the 10th (local time), Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, resigned voluntarily.
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

According to The Guardian and other daily newspapers, Rubiales announced in a statement released that day, "I have submitted my resignation to the acting president of the Spanish Football Association." He added, "I will also step down from my position as vice president of UEFA."

Rubiales' voluntary resignation came about a month after the controversy erupted. During the Women's World Cup final held this year in Australia and New Zealand, Spain won the championship, and at the award ceremony, Rubiales kissed Spanish player Jennifer Hermoso, sparking the controversy. Rubiales claimed it was an act done with Hermoso's consent, but Hermoso denied this.

Following the incident, FIFA imposed a 90-day suspension on Rubiales. Additionally, the Spanish prosecutor's office is conducting a preliminary investigation into whether the act constitutes a sexual crime. Within Spain, there have been numerous accusations labeling Rubiales' behavior as sexual misconduct, and political circles in Spain have also pressured him to resign.

From immediately after the incident, Rubiales strongly resisted the global sports community's calls for his resignation but announced his intention to step down for the first time on this day. However, he emphasized that he had not changed his position of feeling wronged and that he was resigning only because his continued presence could negatively affect the football association.

Rubiales explained the reason for his resignation, saying, "Holding onto my refusal to resign while waiting for the investigation results would have a negative impact on the Spanish Football Association." This statement is interpreted as considering Spain's bid to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal, Morocco, and Ukraine.

He continued, "I believe in the truth and will do my best to ensure the truth prevails," adding that although his family and acquaintances have suffered from excessive persecution and many falsehoods, he believes the public will come to know the truth.

In an interview with a journalist, Rubiales revealed that after discussions with his family and friends, he decided to submit his resignation. He explained that his acquaintances told him, "Luis, you need to focus on your dignity and continue your life. Otherwise, many people who love you and the sport (football) will be hurt."

Regardless of submitting his resignation, Rubiales is unlikely to escape legal proceedings. The Guardian reported, "The prosecutor's office heard Hermoso's testimony the day before and decided to expedite the process," adding, "According to the recently enacted sexual consent law in Spain, if Rubiales is found guilty of a sexual crime, he could face fines or imprisonment ranging from 1 to 4 years," according to the prosecution.

Meanwhile, with Rubiales' resignation, the Spanish women's national team is expected to proceed normally with the Nations League qualifying match against Sweden scheduled for the 22nd. Approximately 80 Spanish female football players had stated that they would not participate in national team matches unless the president resigned following the controversy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.