Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales refused to resign on Friday after every week of heavy criticism for his unsolicited kiss on the lips of participant Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph.
“I will not resign, I will not resign, I will not resign,” shouted Rubiales at an emergency assembly of the soccer federation.
“A consensual ‘peck’ is enough to get me out of here? I will fight until the end,” he added.
Rubiales, 46, was anticipated to step down as president of the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) after authorities ministers and figures inside sport demanded his resignation and world soccer’s governing physique FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings towards him.
He stated the stress he has obtained this week from politicians and golf equipment was an try “to publicly assassinate me” and stated he would defend himself by “taking action” towards these folks.
The RFEF chief claimed his kiss on Hermoso’s lips was consensual and completed in the identical spirit as kissing his youngster.
“It was a spontaneous kiss, mutual, euphoric, and consensual,” Rubiales stated.
It comes only a day after Hermoso launched a joint assertion along with her union and agent calling for Rubiales to be sanctioned.
“My union FUTPRO, in co-ordination with my agency TMJ, are taking care of defending my interests and have taken over as my interlocutors on this matter,” the assertion stated.
FUTPRO continued including: “We express our firm and resounding condemnation of behaviours that violate the dignity of women.
“From our association, we ask the Royal Spanish Football Federation to implement the necessary protocols, ensure the rights of our players and adopt exemplary measures. It is essential that our team, the current world champion, is always represented by figures who project values of equality and respect in all areas.
“It is necessary to continue advancing in the fight for equality, a fight that our players have led with determination, leading us to the position in which we find ourselves today.
“We also call on the Higher Sports Council so that, within its powers, it actively supports and promotes prevention and intervention in the face of sexual harassment or abuse, machismo and sexism.
“FUTPRO rejects any attitude or conduct that violates the rights of soccer players and from the union we are working so that acts like the ones we have seen never go unpunished, are sanctioned and the pertinent measures are adopted to protect soccer players from actions that we believe are unacceptable.”
Speaking on an Instagram Live after the end result, Hermoso stated of the incident “I didn’t like it”.
Spanish soccer reporter Colin Millar additionally reported Hermoso stated of the incident: “Eh … yeah, I did not enjoy that”.
The Spanish president did apologise for grabbing his crotch in the course of the celebrations of the 1-0 win towards England within the ultimate whereas standing subsequent to Spanish Queen Letizia.
“I want to say sorry for the deeds that happened in a moment of euphoria, I grabbed that part of my body and did so looking at Jorge Vilda (the coach),” Rubiales stated.
“I was so emotional, I lost control and I took my hands there.”
Source: www.news.com.au
