Royal Spanish Football Association (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales sensationally refused to resign despite mounting pressure on account of his behaviour in the aftermath of Spain’s victory over England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Jorge Vilda’s side triumphed 1-0 thanks to Olga Carmona’s first-half strike, with Mary Earps’ penalty save from Jenni Hermoso after the break not proving costly.
During the medal presentation ceremony, after embracing several players and members of backroom staff, Rubiales grabbed Hermoso by the head and planted a kiss on her lips — an act that the Atletico Madrid forward said afterwards that she “didn’t like”.
Spain’s minister of equality Irene Montero condemned Rubiales’ act as a “form of sexual violence”, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez describing it as “unacceptable”. La Liga F and global players union FIFPro are among the prominent football organisations to have called for the 46-year-old to step down or be removed from his post. Atletico Madrid are one of four La Liga clubs to have made the same call.
Rubiales was also seen grabbing his crotch in celebration shortly after the final whistle and the widespread and ongoing condemnation of his antics led the RFEF to schedule an emergency meeting on Friday. FIFA then opened…
