Rubiales to resign as Spanish FA president over Hermoso kissing row

Suspended Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has said he will resign amid the kiss row following Spain's Women's World Cup win.

Rubiales had remained defiant in the aftermath of the final against England in Sydney on August 20, adamant he would not quit his role despite international outcry.

He kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation, something the midfielder has said she did not consent to. However, Rubiales maintained it was consensual.

But he confirmed to the Piers Morgan Uncensored show that he will resign, saying "I cannot continue my work".

According to a sexual consent law passed last year, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault.

Prosecutors added on Friday that Rubiales could have committed an act of coercion when, according to Hermoso, he pressured her to speak out in his defence immediately after the scandal erupted regarding his behaviour.

Prosecutors have also asked the judge that Rubiales appear before a court to give preliminary testimony.

If the National Court judge agrees the hear the case, it would lead to a formal court investigation that will end with a recommendation for the case to either be dismissed or go to trial.

The football player accused Rubiales of sexual assault after he kissed her on the lips following Spain's 1-0 victory over England in the Women's World Cup final last month.

Hermoso said she did not want to be kissed, and that she felt "vulnerable and a victim of an aggression". The Spain player also said she and her family were pressured by the federation to show support for Rubiales in the immediate aftermath of the incident.