Luis Rubiales Resigns as President of Spanish Soccer Federation Amidst Controversial Kiss
Madrid, Spain – Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, has tendered his resignation following widespread backlash over an unwanted kiss with Women’s World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso. Rubiales informed the interim president and stepped down from his position in UEFA.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed Rubiales’ resignation and announced plans to hold an election to find a suitable successor. Rubiales, who has strongly denied any wrongdoing, has vowed to clear his name and fight against what he called “excessive persecution.”
The incident, which sparked condemnation from multiple quarters, has proven to be a catalyst for a crisis in Spanish soccer. FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days after the unwanted kiss came to light, leading to further scrutiny and mounting pressure for his resignation.
Spanish authorities and fans have reacted to Rubiales’ resignation, with some expressing solidarity and support for Jennifer Hermoso. Critics argue that Rubiales mishandled the situation by insisting the kiss was consensual, despite Hermoso’s denials.
Initially, the federation defended Rubiales, but they later deleted a statement and threatened legal action against Hermoso. However, as pressure continued to mount and criticism intensified, Rubiales succumbed to the increasing demands and eventually resigned.
The controversy has also taken a toll on the national team, as all 23 members of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad, along with nearly 50 other female soccer players, declared that they would refuse to play for the national team until Rubiales was removed from his position.
The situation reached a boiling point when all 19 regional presidents of Spain’s soccer federation called for Rubiales’ resignation. Additionally, an investigation into possible sexual assault charges against Rubiales was opened, adding further weight to the calls for his departure.
Facing immense pressure and criticism from multiple fronts, Rubiales’ mother even resorted to a hunger strike in protest, decrying what she referred to as a “bloodthirsty hunt” against her son.
As the Spanish soccer federation prepares for a new era with the upcoming election to choose Rubiales’ successor, the fallout from this scandal will undoubtedly continue to reverberate throughout the sports world.
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