MADRID – Luis Rubiales, until recently president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has announced his resignation. He first made this in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan and later confirmed it through an official statement.
According to the RFEF, the procedure as described in article 31.8 of their articles of association will now be initiated. This means that new elections will be held. Consequently, the winner will assume the role of chairman of the RFEF for Rubiales’ remaining term.
What exactly was Luis Rubiales thinking when he kissed World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso?
And he may be resigning… but is he sorry?
Tune into Tuesday's Piers Morgan Uncensored at 8pm for this world exclusive interview.@piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #PMU pic.twitter.com/W6oQ1cmh1O
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) September 11, 2023
Allegation of sexual harassment
The trigger for the resignation was a kiss on the mouth that Rubiales gave to football star Jenni Hermoso after the final of the Women’s World Cup. This led to a complaint filed against him for sexual harassment. However, Rubiales continues to defend his “truth” and innocence and speaks of a “disproportionate persecution.”
Family and future
“My family and the people who love me have suffered immensely,” Rubiales said in his official statement. His mother ended up in hospital after she went on a hunger strike because of the injustice she felt was done to her son. However, Rubiales acknowledges that a return to his position is impossible, given the ongoing legal proceedings against him and influences from “de facto powers”.
On Twitter, the former chairman of the RFEF wrote: “I will defend my honour. I will defend my innocence. I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thank you, everyone.”
Defenderé mi honorabilidad.
Defenderé mi inocencia.
Tengo Fe en el futuro.
Tengo Fe en la verdad.Gracias a todos. 🇪🇸https://t.co/yS9rM1HBTm
— Luis Rubiales (@LuisRubiales17) September 10, 2023
Influence on the 2030 World Cup
Rubiales claims he is stepping down to prevent damage to Spanish football and the joint bid for the 2030 World Cup. In this context, Spain collaborates with the football federations of Portugal and Morocco.
Role of UEFA
In addition to his RFEF chairmanship, Rubiales has also resigned from his position within UEFA. This creates a void in the vice-chairman position of the European football organisation. The RFEF confirmed Rubiales’ dismissal on Twitter.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 | La RFEF confirma la dimisión de Luis Rubiales.
ℹ️ Más información: https://t.co/zkUBQ0DmqW pic.twitter.com/lmE3Dbz3Pi
— RFEF (@rfef) September 10, 2023
Now what?
Rubiales’ departure raises many questions. Who will replace him? How will this affect Spain’s bid for the 2030 World Cup? And what does this mean for the ongoing lawsuits against him?
