The scandal-hit Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales resigned Sunday from his post after the weeks of drama that started when he kissed the lips of a Women's World Cup player on the stage, which Spanish Jenni Hermoso said was not consensual.
In an open letter published by Luis Rubiales Sunday night, he said he had informed the federation he was also stepping down as a vice-president of European football governing body UEFA.
"After the swift suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of the procedures opened against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position," the letter by Rubiales read.
"Insisting on waiting and clinging to it is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither for the federation nor for Spanish football," he said.
"Among other things, because there are powers that be that will prevent my return."
Rubiales, who insists the kiss was consensual, said he did not want Spanish football to be hurt by "such a disproportionate campaign" against him, adding that he has faith in the truth and he will do everything in his power so that it prevails.
The 46-year-old said his departure would contribute "stability" to the 2030 men's World Cup bid in which Spain are involved.
"I'm going to [resign], yes, because I cannot continue my work," Rubiales said earlier the day in an interview with television show "Piers Morgan Uncensored".
"[Family and friends] say to me 'Luis, you need to focus on your dignity and continue your life. If not you are going to damage people you love and the sport you love'."
The 46-year-old sparked worldwide criticism after he kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain's World Cup victory in Sydney on August 20.
Luis Rubiales was later suspended by FIFA provisionally for 90 days, while Spanish public prosecutors filed a lawsuit against him for sexual assault and coercion earlier this week.
Jenni Hermoso filed a complaint at the National Court, formally accusing Rubiales of sexual assault.
The incident was prompted after Spain's triumph over England with a 1-0 victory in the Women's World Cup final in Sydney.
Rubiales, in a moment of celebration, planted an unsolicited kiss on midfielder Jennifer Hermoso, an act that has been met with widespread condemnation.
The backlash to Rubiales' conduct came from various quarters, transcending the sports realm.
High-profile figures, including Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and women's league officials, called for his resignation. Even global entities like FIFA took action, opening disciplinary proceedings against him under the premise that his actions might have violated FIFA's disciplinary code.
Hermoso herself, in collaboration with the Futpro union, voiced her concerns in a joint statement, demanding accountability for the incident. The player's stance received support from human rights organisation Amnesty International, which characterised Rubiales' behaviour as a form of sexual violence that cannot be excused.
Rubiales' initial response, where he brushed off the incident and dismissed his critics, only added fuel to the fire.
Subsequent apologies failed to quell the outrage, leading to a widespread consensus that his position was untenable.
Due to the Rubiales incident, more than 80 players from the women's team were on strike, while Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias declared he would not participate in the men's team.
PCB says trophy will also see scenic travel destinations like Skardu, Murree, Hunza and Muzaffarabad
Match schedule of upcoming tournament approved by ICC's main broadcast partner, say sources
Visitors lost six batters on single-digit scores, with bowler Abbas Afridi remaining top scorer with 20
Sources say that the latest development has been communicated to the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation
Competition, which features six teams, will be held from December 15 to 22 in Malaysia
New identity includes unconventional typographic logo and design elements
