The president of Spain’s football federation has refused to resign after he kissed a Women’s World Cup champion after the final last weekend.
Luis Rubiales, 46, grabbed player Jennifer Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
Ms Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward and key contributor to Spain’s victory, said: “I did not like it, but what could I do?”
Mr Rubiales claimed the kiss was “mutual” at a meeting of the Spanish football federation’s general assembly on Friday.
His defiant defence of the kiss at the meeting followed a widespread backlash against his behaviour.
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FIFA opened a disciplinary case against him on Thursday.
Spain’s acting prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said Mr Rubiales’ attempt to apologise, which came after he initially insulted his critics, was unconvincing, and that “he must continue taking further steps” to be held accountable.
Before the forced kiss, Mr Rubiales had grabbed his crotch in a lewd victory gesture from the section of dignitaries at the stadium, with Spain’s Queen Letizia and the 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia standing nearby.
