Luis Rubiales: ‘I cannot continue my work’ – Spanish FA president to resign over kissing incident

Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has said that he has resigned over the kissing incident that sparked widespread controversy following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup.

Rubiales was caught on camera kissing Jenni Hermoso after Spain beat England 1-0 in the final in Australia and immediately faced calls to be removed from his post.

In the aftermath, Rubiales insisted it was consensual and that he wanted to carry on in his role, but he has now stepped down.

“I cannot continue my work,” Rubiales said on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored'.

In a statement, Rubiales confirmed he had handed in his resignation to Pedro Rocha, the Spanish federation’s acting president.

"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," the statement read.

"Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football."

Such was the fallout from the incident, football’s governing body, FIFA, stepped in to provisionally suspend the 46-year-old for 90 days at the end of August while it opened disciplinary proceedings.

Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez also criticised Rubiales for his actions and subsequent apology, saying it “shows that in our country there's a long way to go in terms of equality and respect between men and women".

Sanchez added: “What we saw was an unacceptable gesture. I think the apology Mr. Rubiales has given wasn't sufficient, I'd say it wasn't adequate.”

Hermoso filed a legal complaint last week, meaning Rubiales could face criminal charges, while Spain’s top criminal court opened its own investigation at the end of August.

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