The Spanish FA has called for Luis Rubiales to step down from his role as president in light of his controversial conduct at the Women’s World Cup final.
Rubiales spared uproar when he kissed Spain international Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the team’s 1-0 victory against England in Australia. Hermoso has insisted the kiss was not consensual, with fans and players calling for the disgraced president to resign.
The latest prominent voice in Spanish football to demand his resignation are the Real Federacion Espanola de Futbol, the Spanish FA. They released a statement on Monday night, after a meeting of the organisations territorial presidents.
It read: “Once the meeting of the Commission of Presidents of Regional and Territorial Federations of the RFEF has finished, the following agreements are unanimously made known to the world of football and society:
“After the latest events and the unacceptable behaviors that have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football, the presidents request that Mr. Luis Rubiales immediately present his resignation as president of the RFEF”.
“We warmly congratulate the women’s soccer team for their victory in the World Cup. We value the meaning and legacy of success for Spanish sport. We express our admiration and gratitude to an unrepeatable group of players and we extend our congratulations to all those who have built, over the years with determination, the growth of women’s football”.
“We will urge the corresponding bodies to carry out a deep and imminent organic restructuring in strategic positions of the Federation to give way to a new stage of management in Spanish football”.
“Once FIFA has suspended Mr. Luis Rubiales, the Federation’s internal protocols have been activated as a result of the suspension. In addition, we have urged President Pedro Rocha to immediately withdraw the last communication on behalf of the Federation with FIFA and UEFA that we have known today”.
“The RFEF maintains its commitment to continue implementing its investment, as well as equality policies for the development of women’s football”.
– “Lastly, the Presidents’ Commission has given its unanimous support to Mr. Pedro Rocha so that he may lead a new stage where dialogue and reconciliation with all football institutions is the line to follow. We make ourselves available to the CSD and all the institutions involved to continue building together the candidacy for the 2030 World Cup.”
The situation has escalated to the point where the game’s governing body FIFA have stepped in and suspended Rubiales from “all football-related activities”.
“His ban will last for “an initial period of 90 days” while FIFA continue to conduct their investigation”.