Spanish soccer president Luis Rubiales had not resigned as of Aug. 29, despite Facebook post’s claim

An Aug. 25 Facebook post falsely declared that the embattled head of Spain’s soccer association stepped down.

"Luis Rubiales has resigned as the president of the Spanish Football Federation," the post said.

The post was flagged as part of Meta’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.)

As of Aug. 29, Rubiales was still president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body of soccer in Spain.

Many were calling for Rubiales’ resignation after he kissed Jennifer Hermoso, one of Spain’s players, Aug. 20 during a ceremony celebrating Spain’s Women’s World Cup championship. Hermoso has said she did not consent to the kiss.

Featured Fact-check

Social Media

stated on November 21, 2024 in social media posts

A woman holds a sign that says, “I want my daughter to have the right to abortion that I didn’t have.”

Rubiales has dismissed criticism and calls for his resignation, including the Spanish women’s team’s refusal to play until he resigns. On Aug. 21, Rubiales said: "There was no bad intention by either party. We saw it as natural. But it has caused a commotion and people are offended, so I must apologize."

On Aug. 25, Rubiales refused to resign.

The next day, FIFA, international soccer’s governing body, announced it had suspended Rubiales pending a disciplinary investigation. 

On Aug. 28, Spanish prosecutors said they were investigating whether Rubiales could be charged with a crime. Rubiales’ mother also began a hunger strike that day in support of her son.

We rate the claim that as of Aug. 25, Rubiales had resigned False.