- Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish FA
- His kiss to Spain’s Jenni Hermozo sparked controversy for weeks
- Rubiales finally accepted the demand for resignation from all of Spain
Defiant Luis Rubiales has vowed to 'defend his innocence’ after announcing in an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan that he is stepping down as Spain’s FA president following the 'kissgate’ scandal.
As the decision to resign was made public, he tweeted: 'I will defend my honour. I will protect my innocence.
’I have hope for the future. I believe in truth. Thanks to everyone.’
He ended his tweet by posting a photo of the Spanish flag.
In a lengthy statement he released shortly before he took to Twitter, the father-of-three said: 'Today at 9:30pm I tendered my resignation as President of the RFEF to Acting President Mr. Sent to Pedro Rocha. .
I have also informed you that I have also done my post at UEFA to replace my position as Vice-President.
’After the swift suspension imposed by FIFA and the remaining proceedings opened against me, it is clear that I cannot return to my position.
„Insisting on waiting and sticking to it is not going to contribute anything positive to the confederation or to Spanish football. Among other things, because there are practical forces preventing my return.
’The management of my team and, above all, my pleasure for this great privilege of more than five years as President of the RFEF.
I do not want Spanish football to be affected by this disproportionate campaign, above all, I take this decision, after making sure that my exit will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to be united in the dream. 2030 , which will allow us to bring the world’s biggest event to our country.
’I have to look forward and see the future.
’Now something is firmly occupying me. I believe in truth and I will do my best to make it succeed.
’My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the consequences of excessive persecution, as well as many lies, but it is also true that on the street, every day, the truth prevails.
’From here I extend a big hug to all workers, legislators, federations and footballers in general and wish them all the best.
Thank you to everyone who supported me during this time.
Rubiales still faces criminal charges of sexual assault and coercion over his 'unsolicited kiss’ of Spain international Jenny Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup victory over England.
The 33-year-old striker made a formal complaint last week before returning to Mexico, where he plays his club football, and lawyers announced the formal complaint to a judge at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid on Friday.
The former Spanish FA boss insisted the kiss was consensual and described it as a 'peck’.
The footballer said the kiss made him feel vulnerable and aggressive. She described it as 'an impulsive, sexual act, out of place and without any kind of consent on my part’.
Rubiales, who apologized for grabbing his crotch during post-match celebrations in front of Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, said in a lengthy statement last week before announcing his decision to step down: 'Spontaneity and joy were a mutual and unanimous act, the result of great enthusiasm, the historic moment that led us.
’There was no aggression at any point, in fact, not even the slightest discomfort, but a degree of happiness between us both.’
Rubiales’ mother, Ángeles Bejar, 72, went on a hunger strike for two days at the church of Motril near her son’s hometown of Granada.
She said she started it to get Jenny to 'tell the truth’ about the kiss.
Speaking from inside the church before falling ill, he said, 'I want to tell the truth.
'She knows my son is very honest. If she tells the truth, everything will be fine.
He added about the World Cup kiss that led to the so-called 'kissgate’ scandal: 'It’s a story, like she said, look how far it’s gone.
’She must have a conscience and act accordingly.
’My son is very worried and asked me not to continue, to stop, but I will be here until I give up and my body will continue.’
„Całkowity introwertyk. Nieprzejednany specjalista od sieci. Przyjazny fanatyk bekonu. Student ekstremalnych. Miłośnik piwa. Organizator.”