SPAIN- Luis Rubiales has defied those calling for his resignation over the recent scandal involving Jennifer Hermoso by declaring his intention to continue as president of Spain’s FA.
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has defied recent calls for him to resign by confidently proclaiming that he will not be leaving his role as earlier believed.
Rubiales was expected to step down at the RFEF’s emergency meeting called to discuss his kissing incident with La Roja midfielder Jenni Hermoso but has instead declared his intention to continue his role in defiance of calls for him to resign.
Rubiales has come under fire for kissing Hermoso after Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup, is under FIFA investigation, and has also faced calls from top Spanish government officials to leave his post.
During the general assembly, a dishevelled Rubiales stood his ground as he belted out repeatedly that he would not resign as president of the RFEF, in a move that is certain to add pressure to his already untenable situation.
Spanish national team players and other RFEF officials apprehensively applauded the president’s decision as some people in the audience exchanged confused glances.
Rubiales’ decision to continue as RFEF president means that he will now undergo a full FIFA investigation and might even face more sanctions from other quarters.
After five years in charge of the RFEF, Rubiales has escaped numerous controversies, including alleged financial misappropriation, but it is left to be seen if he will navigate his way out of trouble this time as well.
