Topline
Luis Rubiales said Sunday he will step down as the president of Spain's football federation after facing a storm of criticism for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the team’s World Cup victory—a move that comes after weeks of defending himself against claims of sexual misconduct.
Spanish federation president resident Luis Rubiales on July 31, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand.
Key Facts
Rubiales announced his resignation on X, formerly called Twitter, and did not apologize for the kiss but instead said it was "evident" he would not be able to return to his position of president after a suspension by FIFA, an internal investigation launched by his federation and potential criminal sexual assault charges.
His statement called the "campaign" against him "disproportionate" and said his daughters and the rest of his family had "suffered the effects of persecution" alongside him.
Hermoso has said she was made to feel “vulnerable” and a “victim of an attack” after Rubiales placed his hands on both sides of her face and kissed her on the mouth in celebration, a move she has called "sexist" and "out of place” since it happened on August 20.
Before his resignation, Rubiales had vowed to “take more care” in his role as federation president but otherwise has not admitted fault or apologized for wrongdoing in the incident.
President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales kisses Jennifer Hermoso of Spain ... [+]
Key Background
Spain earned its first Women’s World Cup victory against England in August. While congratulating each player individually, Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the mouth. Hermoso later said the kiss was non consensual and inappropriate. The Spanish Football Federation responded by issuing a statement in Hermoso’s name calling it "a totally spontaneous mutual gesture" and implying it was Hermoso who took the celebration over the top by lifting Rubiales off his feet. Within a week, FIFA said it had suspended Rubiales from all FIFA activities and, the next day, the Royal Spanish Football Federation said it had launched an internal investigation. On Friday, Spanish prosecutors accused Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion, a charge punishable by a fine or possibly one to four years in prison. The outrage against Rubiales has not lessened in the weeks since the kiss. Athletes and teams across the world have spoken in support of Hermoso, and the United Nations' human rights office posted on X calling for the incident to be a "turning point" in the sexual harassment and abuse endured by female athletes.
What We Don’t Know
If Rubiales will face criminal backlash. A National Court judge still has to decide whether to hear the case against him. If so, a formal investigation will be launched by the courts and Rubiales will either be cleared or face trial.
Crucial Quote
"I must look forward to the future," Rubiales said in his statement. "I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to prevail."
What To Watch For
World from Hermoso or Spain women's national team. The team said they would refuse to play until Rubiales resigned, a statement that was met with the threat of a lawsuit from the Spanish Football Federation. The organization said the players had "an obligation" to play for their country. Neither the team nor Hermoso had publicly responded to the news of Rubiales' resignation as of 5:15 p.m. Sunday.
What To Watch For
Spanish Soccer Chief Rubiales Faces Criminal Charges For Kissing Player (Forbes)
Luis Rubiales Faces Investigation By Spanish Football Federation After Kissing Player (Forbes)
Spanish Soccer Chief Won’t Resign After Kissing Player—Attacks ‘False Feminists’ (Forbes)
Spain Women’s Soccer Team Will Refuse To Play Until Soccer Chief Resigns For Kissing Player (Forbes)
FIFA Suspends Spanish Soccer President Luis Rubiales After Kissing Player Without Consent (Forbes)
