Luis Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following public criticism for kissing Spain striker Jennifer Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup trophy ceremony.

Hermoso said at the time that the kiss after Spain’s win over England was not consensual and filed a complaint against Rubiales last Tuesday.

Rubiales said he submitted his resignation to the federation’s deputy president Pedro Rocha. “I can’t continue my work,” he said in an appearance on a BBC show.

The 46-year-old he also resigned as vice-president of UEFA’s executive committee.

The fallout from the kiss has dominated Spanish football in recent weeks and has overshadowed Spain’s World Cup victory, with Rubiales ignoring repeated calls to resign in the past.

On Friday, a prosecutor filed a lawsuit in Spain’s Supreme Court, following Hermoso’s testimony on Tuesday, against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion.

He claimed that the kiss was “consensual”but his claims did not convince and he was temporarily suspended by the world football federation, FIFA.

“After FIFA’s swift decision, as well as the remaining proceedings against me, it is clear that I will not be able to return to my positionRubiales said.

“Persisting and waiting is not going to help anything, neither the federation nor Spanish footballhe added.

Rubiales said he hoped his departure would boost Spain’s joint bid with Morocco and Portugal to host the 2030 World Cup.

“I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to make it prevail. My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the consequences of excessive persecution as well as hearing many lies».