The president of Spain’s soccer federation has refused to resign after he kissed a Girls’s World Cup champion after the ultimate final weekend.
Luis Rubiales, 46, grabbed participant Jennifer Hermoso and kissed her on the lips in the course of 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, mentioned: “I didn’t prefer it, however what may I do?”
The footballer mentioned such acts “ought to by no means 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 common meeting on Friday.
He added that he was the sufferer of a witch hunt by “false feminists” after quickly repeating “I will not resign” 4 instances.
Within the model of occasions Mr Rubiales gave to the meeting, he mentioned Hermoso had lifted him up in celebration and he requested her for “just a little kiss?” and she or he mentioned sure.
“The kiss was the identical I may give certainly one of my daughters,” Mr Rubiales mentioned.
Pic: Noe L amas/SPP/Shutterstock
He mentioned that he would defend his honour in courtroom towards politicians, together with two ministers, who known 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 now have seen at this time… is unacceptable. The federal government should act and take pressing 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 appearing prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, mentioned Mr Rubiales’ attempt to apologise, which got here after he initially insulted his critics, was unconvincing, and that “he should proceed taking additional steps” to be held accountable.
In his apology launched on Monday, Mr Rubiales mentioned: “We noticed it as one thing regular, pure and never in any approach in dangerous religion. However exterior evidently a commotion has been created.
“When you’re president of an establishment as necessary because the federation, you need to be extra cautious.”
Earlier than the pressured kiss, Mr Rubiales had grabbed his crotch in a lewd victory gesture from the part of dignitaries on the stadium, with Spain’s Queen Letizia and the 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia standing close by.
Hermoso was denied by Earps from the penalty spot
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Spain’s Girls’s World Cup parade
The controversy has overshadowed the ultimate and Spain’s first triumph within the world event.
The staff arrived again in Madrid a number of days in the past after delivering heartbreak to England- with Olga Carmona’s first-half aim proving an excessive amount of for the Lionesses.
Hermoso began the match within the World Cup ultimate in Sydney, however was denied the possibility to get on the scoresheet after her penalty was stopped by England goalkeeper Mary Earps.