Luis Rubiales: After adamantly declaring in an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan that he is resigning as president of the Spanish FA in the wake of the “Kissgate” incident, Luis Rubiales has vowed to “defend his innocence.” After kissing Jenni Hermoso during Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup in August, there have been weeks of rumours about Rubiales’ future. Following the event with Hermoso, Rubiales came under heavy scrutiny. Protests against his presidency spread throughout Spain, and prominent people demanded his resignation.
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Luis Rubiales steps down as Spanish FA President
The Spanish FA President, Luis Rubiales tweeted as his decision to resign was made public on Piers Morgan Uncensored, ‘I will defend my honourability, I will defend my innocence. I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thanks to everybody.’
Rubiales released a long statement on Twitter, before he went on the show. The statement read, ‘Today at 9:30pm, I transmitted to the acting President, Mr. Pedro Rocha, my resignation from the position of President of the RFEF. I have also informed you that I have done the same with my position at UEFA so that my position in the Vice Presidency can be replaced.’
The statement continued, ‘After the rapid suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of the proceedings opened against me, it is clear that I will not be able to return to my position. Insisting on waiting and clinging to it is not going to contribute anything positive, neither to the Federation nor to Spanish football.’
He continued, ‘Among other things, because there are de facto powers that will prevent my return. There is the management of my team and, above all, the happiness that I have for the enormous privilege of these more than five years at the head of the RFEF.’
He also said, ‘I do not want Spanish football to be harmed by this disproportionate campaign and, above all, I am making this decision after having made sure that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to remain united in the dream of 2030, which will allow the largest event in the world to be brought to our country.’
Rubiales still wants to defend his honor
The statement ended by saying, ‘I must look forward, look to the future. Now there is something that occupies me firmly. I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to make it prevail.’
‘My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the street, more and more every day, the truth is prevailing. From here I convey a big hug to all the workers, assembly members, federations and football people in general, wishing them the best of luck. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during these times.’
Following the event with Hermoso, Rubiales came under heavy scrutiny. Protests against his presidency spread throughout Spain, and prominent people demanded his resignation.
The Spanish FA issued a public apology for his actions, and FIFA granted him a 90-day first punishment. They are now appealing for a lengthier term. Following Rubiales’ suspension, the World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda was fired from his position. It was not long after the departing president had extended him a new contract.
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Due to his ‘unsolicited kiss’ on Jenni Hermoso, a Spanish international, after Spain’s World Cup victory over England, Rubiales is still subject to the prospect of being charged with sexual assault and coercion.
The 33-year-old striker lodged a formal complaint last week. This was before returning to Mexico where she plays her club football. Prosecutors announced on Friday they had made their formal complaint to a judge at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid.
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