Rubiales quits A victory for feminism but questions still remain

News that Luis Rubiales had resigned, three weeks after his unsolicited kiss and defiant refusal to step down sparked outrage 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.

- Ashifa Kassam

Late last 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.

"They say to me, 'Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and to continue your life,"" Rubiales told Piers Morgan in a clip posted online before an interview due to air on Tuesday.

Members of Spain's caretaker government were swift to characterise the announcement as a victory for feminism. "The transformation and improvement of our lives is inevitable," the acting labour minister and second deputy vice-president, Yolanda Díaz, wrote on social media. "We stand with you Jenni, and with all women."