Luis Rubiales resigns as Spanish soccer president amid kiss controversy

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Spanish soccer federation boss Luis Rubiales announced his decision to resign as he faced a federal complaint over the kiss he planted on women’s soccer player Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup victory celebration.

Rubiales made the announcement on X, formerly Twitter.

"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," Rubiales said.

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Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation kisses Jennifer Hermoso of Spain during the medal ceremony after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia Aug. 20, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Noemi Llamas/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

"Insisting on waiting and clinging ... is not going to contribute anything positive, neither to the Federation nor to Spanish football. Among other things, because there are de facto powers that will prevent my return."

Rubiales said he also stepped down as vice president of UEFA.

Rubiales kissed Hermoso during the awards celebration after Spain defeated England to win the championship for the first time. Hermoso later said the kiss was not consensual. Spanish state prosecutors accused Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion after the kiss, two days after Hermoso formally accused him of sexual assault.

Luis Rubiales, president of Spain's soccer federation during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia Aug. 20, 2023, in Sydney,