Shamed Rubiales refuses to quit in explosive rant after World Cup kiss storm
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has refused to resign – five days after he kissed Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the nation’s World Cup celebrations.
Hermoso said she "did not enjoy it" in the aftermath of the incident and later called for the president’s actions to ‘not go unpunished ’. The moment occurred when Rubiales was congratulating the 33-year-old for her role in defeating England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney.
Rubiales had been reported as stepping down on Friday, where he would be replaced Pedro Rocha is the new president of the Federation. However, he spectacularly claimed he would not be stepping down. He repeatedly shouted "I will not resign" following a lengthy monologue in which he denied wrong-doing regarding the kiss.
On Wednesday, Hermoso made the demand - via the FUTPRO union - that Rubiales “did not go unpunished” for the kiss. They called on the Spanish FA to implement "the necessary protocols" and adopt "exemplary measures." The federation’s official protocol classifies 'forced kisses' as "unacceptable conduct with immediate consequences."
On Thursday, FIFA opened disciplinary action against Rubiales : "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee informed Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Association, today that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ on 20 August 2023.
Spain Women's star says "I did not enjoy that" after FA chief kisses her on lips
Spain's Prime Minister Sanchez condemned the “unacceptable” behaviour of Rubiales on Tuesday, adding that the Spanish football president’s apologies “have not been enough”. Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz has called for Rubiales' removal from his post, saying: "We continue to request the resignation of Rubiales, who has dehumanised and assaulted a woman. His excuses are useless."
The global players’ union FIFPRO released a statement on Wednesday calling for immediate action to be taken, adding “it is deeply lamentable that such a special moment … should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility”.
Hermoso was kissed on her lips by Spain FA president Rubiales after the match (RTVE)On Friday, Rubiales sensationally rejected all calls for his removal - which he called "false feminism" - before doubling down on his position. He said: "There are many people who, although silenced, are continuing to support me a lot.
"This is the body that elected me and the body to which I must give explanations. I want to thank everyone for the messages of support that you have sent me, there have been many messages that I have received.
"I want to apologise for an event that occurred in the (VIP) box (at the final). I am going to explain it because I was looking at Jorge Vilda (the Spanish women's manager). We have been through a lot together, and they have wanted to do to you the same thing that they are doing to me now, they are trying to create a false version of events and turn it into reality.
"I was very emotional after we won the World Cup and you (Vilda) turned around and dedicated the win to me. There I made the gesture (of grabbing his testicles), I apologise to Her Majesty the Queen. I have never behaved like this in a box before. I do not justify myself, sorry."
"I want to give my explanation about the peck (small kiss), it was a peck. The desire that I could have giving that kiss was the same desire that I could have giving my daughter a kiss, here there was no dominance."
"It was spontaneous, mutual and consensual. It was consensual. I have a great relationship with all the players and we had very affectionate moments in this tournament. The moment Jenni appeared, she picked me up from the ground and when she left me we hugged and I told her forget about the penalty, you've been fantastic in this World Cup and she told me you're a star, I told her a little bit? and it happened.
"Here they are not trying to do justice, they are doing a social murder.
"For five years they have been after me with everything. Complaints, lawsuits and requests for me to step down. False feminism does not seek the truth, it seeks to portray itself that it is moving us forward. They do not care about people."
Spain star releases fresh statement after Spanish FA chief kissed her on lips
Rubiales then went on to dismiss suggestions that he would resign.
"The time has come to say something," he added. "I was wrong and it was not the time to make that gesture. Is it serious enough for me to leave, after doing the best management in Spanish football? I AM NOT GOING TO RESIGN.
"I'M NOT GOING TO RESIGN, I'M NOT GOING TO RESIGN, I'm not going to resign. I say, what have I done? Is a peck going to get me out of here? I'm going to fight until the end."
He then, out of the blue, offered Spain's women's national team boss Jorge Vilda a prolonged contract extension: "Jorge, what an emotion I felt. I think it has been the happiest day of my five years in office, that we are World Champions. I have activated the mechanisms for you to stay with us for the next four years, earning half a million euros, you deserve it."
The kiss with Hermoso did not appear to be an isolated incident, with Rubiales also pictured kissing the cheek of Olga Carmona - the scorer of Spain's winning goal - during the on-field celebrations after the match.
Hermoso is Spain's all-time leading goalscorer and the World Cup is the latest trophy she has won during her illustrious career. Across stints at Rayo Vallecano, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, Hermoso has lifted seven Spanish league titles and also started for Barcelona as they beat Chelsea to win the 2021 Champions League final.
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