The president of Spain’s soccer federation has refused to resign after he kissed a Women’s World Cup champion after the ultimate final weekend.
Luis Rubiales, 46, grabbed participant Jennifer Hermoso and kissed her on the lips through the awards ceremony following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday in Sydney, Australia.
Ms Hermoso, a 33-year-old ahead and key contributor to Spain’s victory, stated: “I did not like it, but what could I do?”
The footballer stated such acts “should never go unpunished”, in a press release.
Mr Rubiales claimed the kiss was “mutual” and “with consent” at a gathering of the Spanish soccer federation’s basic meeting on Friday.
He added that he was the sufferer of a witch hunt by “false feminists” after quickly repeating “I won’t resign” 4 occasions.
In the model of occasions Mr Rubiales gave to the meeting, he stated Hermoso had lifted him up in celebration and he requested her for “a little kiss?” and he or she stated sure.
“The kiss was the same I could give one of my daughters,” Mr Rubiales stated.
He stated that he would defend his honour in courtroom towards politicians, together with two ministers, who referred to as his kiss an act of sexual violence.
Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s deputy prime minister, was indignant following Mr Rubiales’ resolution, saying he needed to go.
Ms Diaz tweeted: “What we have seen today… is unacceptable. The government must act and take urgent measures: impunity for chauvinistic actions is over.
“Rubiales can’t proceed in workplace.”
His defiant defence of the kiss on the assembly adopted a widespread backlash towards his behaviour.
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FIFA opened a disciplinary case towards him on Thursday.
Spain’s performing prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, stated Mr Rubiales’ try to apologise, which got here after he initially insulted his critics, was unconvincing, and that “he must continue taking further steps” to be held accountable.
In his apology launched on Monday, Mr Rubiales stated: “We saw it as something normal, natural and not in any way in bad faith. But outside it seems that a commotion has been created.
“When you might be president of an establishment as vital because the federation, you need to be extra cautious.”
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.
The controversy has overshadowed the ultimate and Spain’s first triumph within the international event.
The staff arrived again in Madrid a couple of days in the past after delivering heartbreak to England- with Olga Carmona’s first-half purpose proving an excessive amount of for the Lionesses.
Hermoso began the match within the World Cup closing in Sydney, however was denied the possibility to get on the scoresheet after her penalty was stopped by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Source: information.sky.com”