Luis Rubiales has refused to resign as president of the Spanish Football Federation following his behaviour at the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.
After Spain’s 1-0 victory over England, Rubiales, 46, kissed striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips.
He had already grasped his crotch in celebration of the final whistle.
“I will not resign; I will not resign,” he told the federation’s extraordinary general assembly. “An act of social assassination is taking place.”
Rubiales apologized for the kiss on Monday before FIFA, the world’s governing body of football, launched disciplinary procedures against him on Thursday.
He apologized on Friday for grabbing his crotch while celebrating in the VIP section of Stadium Australia, where Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter were present.
“I’m ready to be vilified to defend my ideals,” Rubiales continued. “I don’t deserve this manhunt I’ve been through.”
“I sincerely apologize for everything that occurred in the box when, in a state of euphoria, I grabbed that part of my body that you have already seen.”
“Of course, I have to apologize to the Queen and everyone who has been offended; I have been in countless boxes, and I have never behaved in that manner.”
‘Mutual and voluntary’ kiss
Rubiales was cheered repeatedly when he addressed the meeting, which was summoned “as a matter of urgency” by the federation.
He justified his conduct, stating he was trying to soothe Hermoso after Mary Earps saved a late penalty for her.
“Jenni was the one who lifted me up,” he explained. “I told her to ‘forget about the penalty,’ and I asked her, ‘a little peck?’ She said, ‘OK.'”
“It was an unplanned kiss. Mutual, blissful, and consensual feelings. That is crucial.
“A consensual ‘peck’ is enough to get me out of here? I will fight until the bitter end.”
Rubiales’ original apology was “insufficient,” according to Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, and second deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz joined those demanding his resignation.
Futpro, the union that represents Hermoso, stated that the act should not go unpunished, and the 33-year-old forward stated that the union will “defend my interests” in the case.
The Pachuca player, who has 101 caps, first stated on Instagram that she “didn’t like” Rubiales‘ behaviour, but subsequent issued a statement defending him.
