The president of the Spanish Football Federation resigned after the forced marriage of a female player
"I submitted my resignation as RFEF President. After being suspended by FIFA, combined with all the legal proceedings against me, it is clear evidence that I cannot return to my position," Rubiales said in an interview with MC Piers Morgan on September 10.
Even though he resigned, Rubiales is not sure to escape trouble. Hermoso's lawsuit makes him face criminal charges, and could be fined or imprisoned from one to four years if convicted of sexual assault.
During the 2023 Women's World Cup awards ceremony right after the final between Spain and England, Rubiales hugged and kissed midfielder Hermoso on the lips. Immediately, he faced fierce condemnation from public opinion, including Spanish politicians. Hermoso also confirmed that Rubiales' actions did not receive her consent.
FIFA then temporarily suspended Rubiales for 90 days to investigate. Hermoso also filed a complaint with the national prosecutor's office. Her application has been forwarded to the Spanish Supreme Court.
RFEF initially supported Rubiales, but under pressure, the organization appointed interim President Pedro Rocha, who later declared Rubiales' actions "shameful". On September 5, RFEF dismissed coach Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to its first Women's World Cup championship.
"I talked to my father, daughter and close friends. They said: 'Luis, now is the time for you to focus on keeping your dignity and moving on'. I know I could harm those who the person I love and the sport I admire. In that situation, I could do nothing but leave," Rubiales added.
Last week, Spanish prosecutors said Rubiales may have pressured Hermoso to speak out in his defense after the incident. They also asked the court to summon the former RFEF president for testimony. If the national court judge agrees to bring the case to trial, Rubiales will face an official investigation against him.
Rubiales is a former player who grew up at the Atletico youth academy, won the Spanish Second Division championship with Levante in 2004 and played in La Liga.
After retiring in 2009, Rubiales was elected President of the Spanish Players Association and then elected President of RFEF in May 2018. One of Rubiales' first big decisions was to fire coach Julen Lopetegui right before Spain attended the 2018 World Cup, because this coach secretly agreed to lead Real Madrid.
