Kiss Gate: RFEF regional heads tell Rubiales to resign
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Rubiales asked to retire as RFEF boss || Image credit: Imago

Kiss Gate: RFEF regional heads tell Rubiales to resign

Faruq Ibrahim 03:01 - 29.08.2023

Luis Rubiales faces internal pressure as regional heads of the RFEF call for his resignation.

The regional heads of the RFEF have requested the resignation of the president of the federation, Luis Rubiales.

The 49-year-old administrator infamously kissed Spanish women's national team record goalscorer Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the FIFA Women's World Cup medal ceremony, which La Roja won.

His action has been condemned by many, and his resignation was seen as the next course of action; however, during an extraordinary general assembly called by the federation over the incident, he announced that he would not step down from the role. 

Although he refused to resign, he has been provisionally suspended by FIFA.

Rubiales suspended for kissing a Spanish player || Photo Credit: The Guardian
Rubiales suspended for kissing a Spanish player || Photo Credit: The Guardian
Luis Rubiales' apology over the his behavior at the 2023 Women World Cup trophy presentation ceremony was deemed inadequate by Spain's prime Minister | Photo Credit: Courtesy
Luis Rubiales' apology over the his behavior at the 2023 Women World Cup trophy presentation ceremony was deemed inadequate by Spain's prime Minister | Photo Credit: Courtesy

Rubiales faces internal pressure 

The Commission of Presidents of Regional and Territorial Federations of the RFEF met today and unanimously reached the agreement that Luis Rubiales had to tender his resignation, as he had. 

“After the latest events and the unacceptable behaviours 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,” They said, per the RFEF website.

They also pledged their support to Pedro Rocha, who is acting in the role following Rubiales’s suspension and have agreed for him to continue leading the federation. 

“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.”

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