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Spanish football association president Luis Rubiales refused to resign on Friday following an investigation into a non-consensual kiss of Spain player Jenni Hermoso.
The incident came following Spain’s historic 1-0 victory over England in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, giving the Spaniards their first ever women’s World Cup victory.
Speaking to reporters after the match, while Hermoso said she “did not enjoy” the moment, Rubiales doubled down on his actions by calling anyone who had a problem with them “idiots”.
“There are idiots everywhere, When two people have a gesture of affection, that isn’t important, we can’t pay attention to idiocy. We’re [world] champions and I’ll focus on that,” Rubiales said following Spain’s 1-0 win over England in the World Cup final.
But while Rubiales believed he’d done nothing wrong, others did not agree.
According to TMZ, FIFA released a statement about the situation. “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has informed Rubiales that it is opening disciplinary proceedings against him based on the events that occurred during the final.”
In a later interview, Hermoso called the incident “no big deal.”
“It was a mutual, totally spontaneous gesture because of the huge joy of winning a World Cup. The ‘presi’ and I have a great relationship. His behavior with us has been a ’10.’ It was a natural gesture, of affection and gratitude . . . We’ve won a World Cup, and we won’t get away from what’s important,” she said.
Despite that, fans have continually called for Rubiales’ removal. Though he refuses to step down.
“Do you think this [incident] is so serious that I should go, after the best management in the history of Spanish football?” Rubiales said on Friday. “Let me tell you: I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign. I’m not going to resign.
“I’ve come under a lot of pressure. Perhaps somebody will look to remove me on Monday. But we live in a country of laws. Is a consensual kiss enough to remove me? I’m going to fight until the end. I hope the law is followed, and that as there’s no reason to [remove me], it won’t happen.”