Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales will step down from his role following widespread condemnation from the football community and beyond.
He faced criticism for forcibly kissing a Spain player after the Women’s World Cup final and will reportedly resign as the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) during an extraordinary general assembly.
The incident involved Rubiales giving an unsolicited kiss to midfielder Jennifer Hermoso and celebrating victory with a controversial gesture.
The pressure to resign mounted, including from figures like Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez and international organizations. FIFA initiated disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales based on potential violations of their disciplinary code.
The criticism continued with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also expressing disapproval of Rubiales’ behavior. Amidst the controversy, Rubiales’ presidency, which began in 2018, was marked by various other controversies as well.
