Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony.
Hermoso, 33, said the kiss after Spain beat England was not consensual and she filed a legal complaint last Tuesday.
Rubiales made a statement saying he had submitted his resignation to federation acting president Pedro Rocha.
“I cannot continue my work,” Rubiales said on ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored’.
The 46-year-old has also resigned from his position as vice-president of Uefa’s executive committee.
On Friday, a prosecutor also filed a complaint with Spain’s high court against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion.
Rubiales claimed the kiss was “mutual and “consensual” but had been provisionally suspended by football’s world governing body Fifa.
Hermoso’s legal complaint means he could face criminal charges.
“After the quick suspension carried out by Fifa, plus the rest of open proceedings against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position,” Rubiales’ statement read.
“Insisting on waiting and holding on is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither to the federation nor to Spanish football.”
Rubiales said he hoped his departure would boost Spain’s joint bid with Morocco and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup.
He added: “I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to 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.”
Some 81 Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, said they would not play for the national team again while Rubiales was in charge.
Asked by Morgan whether something in particular finally led him to resign, Rubiales said he spoke to his family and listened to the advice of friends.
“My father, my daughters, I spoke with them – they know it’s not a question about me – and some friends very close to me said to me ‘Luis, you need to focus on your dignity and to continue your life because if not, you are going to damage people you love and the sport you love’,” Rubiales said.
