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At last, Rubiales bows to pressure
At last, Luis Rubiales has bowed to pressure and is set to resign as Spanish FA president. The former FA boss had said that he will resign as president of the Spanish Football Federation. This is sequel to the scandal over kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup final.
He announced his decision in an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored:
‘I cannot continue my work,’ with a statement following shortly after.
Rubiales has been under intense pressure to resign from his post. The saga after kissing Hermoso on the lips without consent while Spain celebrated their World Cup triumph.
The 46-year-old had however fiercely defended himself and refused to leave his role, though he has been suspended by FIFA.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Finally, Hermoso officially files complaint against Rubiales
Rubiales received widespread criticism and condemnation after the kiss saga. This was recently followed with Hermoso filing an official complaint with Spanish authorities, meaning he could face criminal charges.
Over 80 Spanish players have announced that they would not play for their country until he left his position. And after several weeks the inevitable has happened. Meanwhile, Rubiales seems insistent that his version of events are still accurate.
‘After the quick suspension carried out by Fifa, plus the rest of open proceedings against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position,’ his statement read.
‘Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.
‘I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to prevail.
‘My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the street, more and more every day, the truth is prevailing.’
He also added that he did not want to compromise Spain’s joint bid with Portugal and Morocco to host the 2030 World Cup.
As well as leaving his position with the Spanish FA he is also stepping down as vice president of UEFA.