Spain's football chief Luis Rubiales announces resignation
Rubiales announced his resignation in a statement.
A Spanish prosecutor filed a complaint with the High Court against Rubiales last week for sexual assault and coercion over his allegedly unsolicited kiss on the lips of Jenni Hermoso (33).
Rubiales had also been suspended for three months from all football activities by FIFA pending an investigation by soccer's world governing body into his actions after Spain clinched their World Cup victory in Sydney on Aug. 20.
"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 in his statement.
"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," he added.
He said he had also stepped down as a vice president of European soccer body UEFA.
Rubiales has insisted the kiss was consensual but the case has sparked outrage among players and many in wider Spanish society.
Reuters reached out to Hermoso's representative for comment on Rubiales' resignation, and they did not return the telephone call.
The Rubiales case has sparked outrage among players and many in wider Spanish society.
"The feminist country is advancing faster and faster," Spain's acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz posted on X on Sunday after news of Rubiales' resignation. "The transformation and improvement of our lives is inevitable. We are with you, Jenni, and with all women."
Rubiales appeared to continue to defend his version of events.
"I have faith in the truth and I am going to do everything in my power to make it prevail," he said in his statement.
In an interview with journalist Piers Morgan on Sunday, Rubiales added he made the decision to resign having talked with family and friends.
"Luis, you have to focus on your dignity and continue your life. (Otherwise) you will probably be hurting more people you love and the sport you love," he quoted them as saying.