Following weeks of harsh criticism for his unwelcome kiss with Women's World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso, Luis Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish football federation on Sunday.

"Today, at 930 pm, I notified the interim president, Mr. Pedro Rocha, that I have resigned as President of RFEF," Rubiales stated in a post on X, now known as Twitter. "I have also informed him that I have resigned from my position in UEFA in order for my Vice-Presidency position to be filled."

PHOTO | COURTESY Luis Rubiales Resigns

"To insist on waiting around," he continued, "and holding on to that will not benefit either the Federation or Spanish football." Among other reasons, the powers-that-be will block my return."

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The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) acknowledged Rubiales' resignation as president of the Spanish Football Association and vice president of UEFA.

“The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirms that Luis M. Rubiales Béjar has presented his resignation tonight,” RFEF said. “This has been made known to the federative entity through a letter to Pedro Rocha Junco. In addition, he also resigns from his position as vice president of UEFA.”

The federation's board of directors will now hold an election to pick a replacement. Rubiales swore to clear his name in the face of "excessive persecution."

PHOTO | COURTESY Luis Rubiales Resigns

"I believe in the truth, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that it triumphs," he wrote. "My daughters, my family, and the people who love me have suffered the consequences of excessive persecution, as well as many falsehoods, but it is also true that the truth is being imposed on the street every day more."

Rubiales' unwanted kiss on Hermoso following Spain's win in the Women's World Cup final on August 20 provoked outrage in Spain and worldwide. The 46-year-old apologized and described the kiss as "mutual" - a claim Hermoso refuted, claiming she did not consent and was not respected.

FIFA has provisionally suspended the Spaniard for 90 days until a disciplinary investigation is conducted. In the meanwhile, Pedro Rocha has taken over.

Spanish authorities reacted quickly to Rubiales' resignation on Sunday.

Irene Montero, Spain's equality minister, responded to X with two words: "It's over."