Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish FA – but not before dragging his feet (Picture: @piersmorgan)
Luis Rubiales finally resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation after three weeks of international outrage over his unsolicited kiss with Jenni Hermoso in the aftermath of the Women’s World Cup final.
The 46 year-old football chief had originally downplayed his actions after the full-time whistle in Sydney and dismissed his critics as ‘idiots and stupid people.’
However, after a huge outcry in Spain which snowballed into a global discourse about sexism and respect towards women, Rubiales – who faces criminal charges back home – decided to call time on his presidency after coming to the realisation that his position was no longer tenable.
But Rubiales has continued his act of defiance, insisting: ‘I will defend my honourability. I will defend my innocence.’
The news of his resignation broke following an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, which airs this evening, with further dramatic revelations expected from the former player.
Find out how to watch Rubiales’ interview with Piers Morgan on TV tonight – what time will it be broadcast?
When is Luis Rubiales’ interview with Piers Morgan?
The full interview will be shown on Piers Morgan Uncensored tonight (Tuesday, September 12) at 8pm on TalkTV.
Rubiales stunned the world with his behaviour (Picture: Noemi Llamas/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
How to watch the Luis Rubiales interview on TalkTV
TalkTV is available on Sky 522, Sky Glass 508, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237 and Freesat 217.
The channel can also be watched on DAB, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TV Plus, YouTube, the Talk.TV website and TalkTV iOS and Android apps.
What did Luis Rubiales say about his resignation?
As his decision to step down as president of the Spanish Football Federation was made public on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Rubiales released a statement officially confirming the news.
Rubiales said: ‘After the rapid suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of the proceedings opened against me, it is clear that I will not be able to return to my position.
‘Insisting on waiting and clinging to it is not going to contribute anything positive, neither to the Federation nor to Spanish football. Among other things, because there are de facto powers that will prevent my return.
‘There is the management of my team and, above all, the happiness that I have for the enormous privilege of these more than five years at the head of the RFEF.
‘I do not want Spanish football to be harmed by this disproportionate campaign and, above all, I am making this decision after having made sure that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to remain united in the dream of 2030, which will allow the largest event in the world to be brought to our country.
‘I must look forward, look to the future.
‘Now there is something that occupies me firmly. I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to make it prevail.
‘My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that on the street, more and more every day, the truth is prevailing.
‘From here I convey a big hug to all the workers, assembly members, federations and football people in general, wishing them the best of luck.
‘Thank you to everyone who has supported me during these times.’
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