The already suspended Rubiales sent his resignation to the federation’s interim president, he said in an open letter, and also explained his decision to eventually step down in a television interview.

“I’m going to (resign), yes, because I cannot continue my work,” the 46-year-old told television show “Piers Morgan Uncensored”.

“(Family and friends) say to me, ‘Luis, you need to focus on your dignity and continue your life. If not you are going to damage people you love and the sport you love.’”

Rubiales sparked a worldwide backlash after forcibly kissing midfielder Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain’s World Cup triumph in Sydney on August 20.

After he refused to resign, FIFA provisionally suspended him for 90 days, while Spanish public prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against him for alleged sexual assault and coercion.

Hermoso, 33, had filed a complaint at the National Court on Tuesday, formally accusing Rubiales of sexual assault.

In an open letter published by Rubiales on Sunday night, he said he had informed the federation he was also stepping down as a vice-president of European football governing body UEFA.

“After the swift suspension carried out by FIFA, plus the rest of the procedures opened against me, it is evident that I will not be able to return to my position,” said Rubiales in the letter.

“Insisting on waiting and clinging to it is not going to contribute to anything positive, neither for the federation nor for Spanish football.

“Among other things, because there are powers that be that will prevent my return.”

Rubiales, who insists the kiss was consensual, said he did not want Spanish football to be hurt by “such a disproportionate campaign” against him.

“I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power so that it prevails,” he wrote.

Rubiales said his departure would contribute “stability” to the 2030 men’s World Cup bid in which Spain are involved.

As the pressure ramped up in recent weeks on him to quit, Rubiales’ mother Angeles Bejar went on a hunger strike in protest, locking herself in a church.

The 38-year-old Spaniard who lifted the World Cup with Spain in 2010 made the announcement on Twitter.

He wrote “Yes, I will stand for presidency of the Spanish FA when elections are called. Together we will put our federation at the top alongside the best football in the world: Spanish football. I’ve informed the president of my club FC Porto of the decision and I want to express my deepest gratitude. We’re working on our candidacy with the highest respect. More than 23,000 voters await us in fair and transparent elections as 139 assembly members will make the key decision. Thanks for all the support and good wishes. Let’s go for it!”

Casillas will face current RFEF president Luis Rubiales in the next election, which is expected to take place later this year.

Guadalupe Porras Ayuso, a 32-year-old assistant referee will become the first woman ever to officiate in the league.

Ayuso has worked in Segunda, the men’s second division, for two seasons and before that officiated for eight seasons in Segunda B, the third division in Spain.

RFEF said in a statement.”The assistant referee will be the first woman to debut in the top flight,”

Enrique was absent at Spain’s last three games against Malta, the Faroe Islands and Sweden as he attended to personal matters and Moreno stepped up to take charge during this period.

Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation, said “Luis Enrique has informed us that he will not continue as a selector. I have to thank you. We don’t have the slightest reproach. We’ve been united with him. He will always have the Spanish Football Federation doors open. The decision of the RFEF is to trust Robert Moreno as a coach. It will remain the same duration of the contract that was already signed. They will be in charge of taking us to the Euro 2020 and making a good role if we qualify.”