The president of the Spanish football federation refused to resign on Friday, despite an uproar for kissing a player on the lips without her consent after the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup final.
Luis Rubiales defiantly told an emergency general assembly of the federation “I won’t resign” four times in quick succession and claimed he was a victim of a witch hunt by “false feminists.”
Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the award ceremony after Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, marring the title celebrations in front of a global audience.
Rubiales said the kiss was “mutual and with the consent” of Hermoso and painted himself as a victim. Women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda and men’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente were among those who applauded his decision to cling to power.
Hermoso had said in a video streamed on social media after the kiss last Sunday: “I didn’t like it, but what can I do.” Later, her players’ union issued a statement on her behalf saying that it would defend her interests.
Shortly before the kiss, Rubiales grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture with Queen Letizia of Spain and 16-year-old Princess Sofía standing nearby. Rubiales only offered an apology for the crotch grab.
