Luis Rubiales Resigns as Spanish FA President Amid Jenni Hermoso Kiss Controversy. In a shocking turn of events, Luis Rubiales has stepped down as the President of the Spanish Football Federation (Spanish FA) amid a growing controversy surrounding a kiss shared between him and Spain’s forward, Jenni Hermoso, during the Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony. This resignation marks the culmination of a series of events that have rocked the Spanish football world.
Hermoso’s Allegations
The controversy began when Jenni Hermoso, aged 33, claimed that the kiss, which took place after Spain’s victory over England, was not consensual. She filed a legal complaint regarding the incident, leading to a surge of criticism directed at Rubiales.
Luis Rubiales Resignation Announcement
Rubiales announced his resignation in a statement submitted to Pedro Rocha, the acting president of the Spanish FA. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Rubiales expressed his reasons, stating that he could not continue his work amid the ongoing scandal. He also confirmed his resignation from his position as the vice-president of UEFA’s executive committee.
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Legal Action and Fallout
The fallout from the incident has been swift and extensive, overshadowing Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory. A prosecutor filed a complaint against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion, following Hermoso’s testimony. Rubiales, however, maintained that the kiss was mutual and consensual.
The controversy led to calls for Rubiales to resign, with 81 Spain players, including the entire World Cup-winning squad, declaring that they would not play for the national team as long as Rubiales remained in office. Jorge Vilda, the coach who led Spain to victory, was also sacked amid the scandal.
National and International Repercussions: Luis Rubiales
Politicians, footballers, celebrities, and protesters voiced their demand for Rubiales’ resignation. Spain’s acting Labour minister, Yolanda Diaz, and Equality Minister Irene Montero expressed their support for Hermoso and the broader feminist movement.
In the interview with Piers Morgan, Rubiales cited the advice of friends and family as a significant factor in his decision to resign, emphasizing the importance of preserving his dignity and preventing further harm to loved ones and the sport.
Legal Proceedings: Luis Rubiales And Jenni Hermoso Kiss Controversy
The legal dimension of the controversy continues to evolve. Hermoso initially complained of sexual assault but has since supplemented it with an allegation of coercion. The high court will determine if formal charges will be filed against Rubiales. If accepted, an investigation will commence, potentially leading to a trial.
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Looking Ahead – Spanish Football
Luis Rubiales’ resignation marks a pivotal moment in Spanish football, as the nation seeks to move forward from the controversy and focus on its future in international competitions. The 2030 World Cup bid, which Spain is jointly pursuing with Morocco and Portugal, is now a focal point for the nation’s football aspirations.
As the story unfolds, the world is closely watching to see how Spanish football addresses these challenges in the hope of creating a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
