Decision to quit over World Cup kiss welcomed in Spain but manner of announcement leaves many confounded
News that Luis Rubiales had resigned, three weeks after his unsolicited kiss and defiant refusal to step down sparked outrage across Spain and around the world, was welcomed as a win for feminism even as questions swirled about his decision to make the announcement in an English-language interview.
Late on Sunday evening, the head of the Spanish football association said that after speaking with his family and friends he had come to the conclusion that he had no choice but to resign after he grabbed the footballer Jenni Hermoso by the head, pulled her towards him and planted a kiss on her lips during the medal ceremony at the World Cup in Sydney last month.
