Luis Rubiales has announced his resignation as president of the Spanish soccer federation following weeks of intense criticism stemming from an unwanted kiss with Women’s World Cup champion Jennifer Hermoso.

In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Rubiales stated, “Today, I notified the interim president at 930pm, Mr. Pedro Rocha, that I have resigned as President of RFEF. I have also let him know that I have also resigned my position in UEFA so that my Vice-presidency position can be filled.”

He continued, “To insist in waiting around and holding onto that won’t contribute anything positive, neither to the Federation nor to Spanish football. Among other things, because there are actual powers which will prevent my return.”

Rubiales’ unwelcome kiss of Hermoso, following the Women’s World Cup victory, sparked outrage in Spain and led to his provisional suspension by FIFA for 90 days while a disciplinary investigation is conducted.

FACTZ has reached out to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for comment but has not received an immediate response.