His resignation came after widespread condemnation of his kiss of player Jenni Hermoso overshadowed Spain’s World Cup title.
Rubiales, 46, had drawn widespread condemnation for the kiss, which took place during the award ceremony, and was in the midst of a 90-day suspension by FIFA, soccer’s global governing body. His decision followed a call by leaders of the Spanish federation for him to step down as well as Spain’s women’s team saying it would play no further matches until he had been removed.
Rubiales had claimed his kiss of Hermoso was “mutual and “consensual,” but FIFA quickly handed down a provisional suspension. “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,” read Rubiales’s statement, written in Spanish,. “Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.”
Last week, Jorge Vilda, who had drawn criticism for his coaching techniques, was fired as the women’s team’s coach.
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