FIFA Women’s World Cup saw Spain lift the trophy for the first time in their history. But one huge controversy clouded this monumental achievement. Luis Rubiales, the president of RFEF (Real Federación Española de Fútbol) was seen inappropriately kissing Jennifer Hermoso during the celebrations.
This was noticed by many and demands for the resignation of Rubiales and head coach Jorge Vilda were thrown by the public and the players and staff of the squad. Last week Vilda was let go of his duties and was replaced by Montse Tome.
Luis Rubiales announces he’s resigned as the president of RFEF and vice president of UEFA pic.twitter.com/v0p6Q3vsxJ
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 10, 2023
Pressure from the government and 19 regional presidents of the soccer federation calling Rubiales for a secret meeting along with all 23 players of the World Cup winning squad refusing to play until Rubiales stepped down finally led to the former Vice president resigning on Sunday.
Irene Montero, The Spanish minister of equality reacted by saying “It’s over” On X. Spain’s second deputy prime minister, Yolanda Diaz also spoke out saying “The feminist country is advancing faster and faster”.
The news was met with relief, joy, and a certain feeling of victory as players both male and female showed their support for Hermoso after the incident. Fans online who were happy with the news wrote: “Finally“, “A win“. One fan even shared the post of Rubiales’ resignation with the caption “Now jail him”
Good, now jail him https://t.co/ozZ9zWPTVk
— 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 (@wayoftheace__) September 11, 2023
🤧🤧finally
— Chief4eva1 (@Chief4eva1) September 10, 2023
During a match in Mexico that marked the first appearance of Hermoso a fan also commented saying – “I think what (Rubiales) did was wrong and I think it’s right that he was removed from his position”. This surely marks a huge day in the history of Women’s soccer in Spain.
Luis Rubiales on his resignation as president of RFEF
Rubiales wanted to put water under the bridge and said he was sorry for those offended just one day after the incident. After several protests and internal meetings took place Rubiales had to surrender to the demands of the public and many higher authorities.
The 46-year-old confirmed his resignation from the posts of RFEF and UEFA in an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan saying that he can’t continue.
He then went on to release his official statement on X saying – “Good night. Today I transmitted at 9:30 p.m. to the acting President, Mr. Pedro Rocha, my resignation from the position of President of the RFEF”.
Rubiales announced news of his resignation during an interview with Piers Morgan (because of course he did). Am shocked they are both not on their tip-toes here. pic.twitter.com/Hv1f9n7qsD
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) September 10, 2023
He also informed about his resignation from his UEFA post after explaining why it would be hard for him to come back to either of his former positions after the quick suspension from FIFA and the open proceedings against him. He also spoke out against the “de facto” powers that would prevent him from holding on to his position.
“I do not want Spanish football to be harmed. My departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to continue united in the dream of 2030, which will allow our country to bring the biggest event in the world.”- Rubiales said on why he resigned.