Now it's confirmed that Luis Rubiales has finally resigned as president of the RFEF (Spanish Football Federation).
The decision follows widespread criticism for him kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso after the country won the Women's World Cup final.
Hermoso said the kiss during the presentation ceremony, which took place after they beat England in Sydney was not consensual. She went on to file a legal complaint against Rubiales. Despite some strong resistance from him following the incident, he released a statement saying that he had submitted his resignation to the federation's acting president Pedro Rocha.
"I cannot continue my work," the 46-year-old said as he announced his intention to resign on a television interview. He has also resigned from his position as vice president of Uefa's executive committee.
The 46-year-old was heavily criticised after he kissed Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony following the win last month. Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual but Rubiales insists that it was, and has maintained that he “would continue to defend his position to tell the truth”.
FIFA suspended Rubiales pending an investigation into his behaviour, and Hermoso submitted a complaint to the national prosecutor’s office, which is now with Spain’s high court. “I don’t want Spanish football to be harmed by this disproportionate campaign and, above all, I am making this decision after having made sure that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to remain united in the dream of 2030, which will bring to our country the biggest event in the world,” he said.
"From here I convey to all the workers, assembly members, federations and football people in general, a big hug, wishing them the best of luck. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during these times."
Rubiales is still facing the possibility of a criminal prosecution for sexual assault and coercion over his 'unsolicited kiss' on Hermoso. The 33-year-old striker lodged a formal complaint last week before returning to Mexico where she plays her club football and prosecutors announced they had made their formal complaint to a judge at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid.
The former Spanish FA president has insisted that the kiss was consensual and described it as a 'peck.'
