Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has resigned after being criticized for kissing Jenny Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup victory ceremony.
Rubiales, already suspended, sent his resignation to the federation’s interim president, he said in an open letter, and also explained in a television interview his decision to ultimately step down.
“I’m going to resign, yes, because I can’t keep doing my job,” the 46-year-old said on television show ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored.’
“(Family and friends) say to me, ‘Louis, you need to focus on your dignity and get on with your life. If not you’ll hurt the people you love and the game you love. Yes, you will harm him.
Rubiales sparked worldwide reaction after he forcibly kissed midfielder Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain’s World Cup victory in Sydney on August 20.
After he refused to resign, FIFA temporarily suspended him for 90 days while Spanish government prosecutors filed a case against him for alleged sexual harassment and coercion.
Hermoso, 33, filed a complaint with the National Court on Tuesday, formally accusing Rubiales of sexual harassment.