Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation, says he will not resign after coming under fire for kissing a female player.
Rubiales was spotted in viral footage kissing Jenni Hermoso — following Spain’s victory over England at the Women’s World Cup (WWC) final on Sunday.
The Spanish FA chief’s action had attracted heavy criticism.
The 46-year-old also grabbed his crotch while standing a few metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and Sofia, her 16-year-old daughter.
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On Thursday, FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales based on the events of the World Cup final.
Although Rubiales apologised for the kiss, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Yolanda Diaz, the second deputy prime minister, are among the prominent figures calling for his resignation.
But at an emergency general assembly conveyed by the country’s federation on Friday, Rubiales vehemently rejected the suggestion of him stepping down from the role.
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He described the calls for his resignation as “a social assassination”.
“I will not resign, I will not resign,” he said.
Spanish female football has been enmeshed in a wave of scandals in recent times.
Fifteen players had recently demanded the sacking of coach Jorge Vilda.
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Vida was also caught on camera appearing to grab a female coach’s breast during celebrations after the World Cup win.
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