Luis Rubiales wiill not resign as president of Spain Football Federation

Luis Rubiales has rejected calls to step down as the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) after he was caught on camera kissing Jenni Hermoso, the star striker of the women’s national team. The scandal erupted on Sunday when a video of the pair celebrating on the pitch after Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final went viral on social media, sparking outrage and criticism from fans, players, and officials.

Rubiales, who has been in charge of the RFEF since 2018, held a press conference on Monday to address the controversy and defend his position. He claimed that he and Hermoso had a “friendly and respectful” relationship and that there was nothing improper or unethical about their encounter. He also said that he had the full support of his wife and family, as well as the RFEF board and staff.

“I have not committed any crime or any offense. I have not violated any rule or any code of conduct. I have not betrayed anyone or anything. I have acted with honesty and transparency at all times,” Rubiales said. “I have nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. I am proud of my work and my achievements as the president of the RFEF. I will not resign because I have done nothing wrong.”

“I have a lot of admiration and respect for Jenni Hermoso, who is one of the best players in the world and a great person. She has shown great courage and dignity in this difficult situation. She has my full support and solidarity,” Rubiales said. “I ask everyone to respect her privacy and her career. She deserves to be treated with respect and admiration, not with insults and slander.”

Rubiales also dismissed the allegations that he had abused his power or influenced the selection of Hermoso for the national team. He said that he had no involvement in the technical decisions of the RFEF and that he trusted the coaches and staff to choose the best players for each match.

“I have never interfered or intervened in any way in the sporting matters of the RFEF. I have always respected the autonomy and independence of the technical team. I have never favored or discriminated against any player for any reason,”
“Jenni Hermoso is in the national team because she deserves it because she is one of the best players in her position because she works hard and gives everything for her country. She has earned her place with her own merit, not with my help or influence.”

Rubiales concluded his statement by saying that he would continue to work with “commitment and enthusiasm” for the development and promotion of Spanish football, both at the national and international level. He said that he was confident that he had the trust and backing of most of the football community and that he would not let them down.

“I am not going to give up or surrender to the pressure or the attacks of those who want to harm me or harm Spanish football. I am not going to let them distract me or divert me from my goals and projects. I am not going to let them ruin what we have built together,” Rubiales said. “I am here to serve Spanish football, to make it stronger, bigger and better. That is my mission and my passion. And I will not stop until I achieve it.”