Luis Rubiales finally announced his resignation as President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, just three weeks after the controversial kiss or "peck" with Jenni Hermoso.
In an interview with British presenter Piers Morgan, which followed a public letter; Rubiales announced that he had left his position in the RFEF and that Pedro Rocha would be taking his place as acting president.
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
The now-former president of the RFEF also announced that he resigned as vice president of UEFA, explaining that the federation must now quickly look for a replacement.
Rubiales said in his letter that his decision is due to there being "factual powers that will prevent" his return to the RFEF and that his situation particularly affects the federation and Spanish soccer.
"After the swift suspension by FIFA, plus the other proceedings against me, it is clear that I will not be able to return to my position. Insisting on standing by and clinging to it will not contribute to anything positive, neither to the Federation nor to Spanish soccer. Among other things, because there are factual powers that will prevent my return," Rubiales wrote.
"I do not want Spanish soccer to be harmed by this exaggerated campaign and, above all, I take 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 us to bring to our country the biggest event in the world," he added.
BREAKING: Luis Rubiales has sensationally resigned as President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation following the scandal over him kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup Final. He revealed the news in a world exclusive interview for @PiersUncensored pic.twitter.com/Kl2uQTOzqv
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 10, 2023
Rubiales also commented that it is time to look to the future and clear his name as he faces criminal proceedings following Hermoso's complaint to the Prosecutor's Office.
"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 this excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that in the public, every day, the truth is being imposed, "said Rubiales, who had been suspended by FIFA to exercise his duties for a period of ninety days and has been subject to strong public scrutiny for weeks.
