Luis Rubiales has refused to step down as president of the Spanish Football Federation following his behavior during Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final.
He had earlier grabbed his crotch as he celebrated after the final whistle.
He said before the extraordinary general assembly called for by the federation: “I will not resign, I will not resign.” “There is a social assassination going on.”
Rubiales apologized for the kiss on Monday to FIFA. Disciplinary proceedings were opened against him on Thursday.
On Friday, he apologized for grabbing his genitals while celebrating in the VIP area of Stadium Australia, where Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter stood nearby.
Rubiales added, “I am ready for defamation in order to defend my principles.” “I don’t deserve this stalking that I’ve been going through.
“I want to apologize unreservedly for everything that happened in the box, when I grabbed in a moment of ecstasy that part of my body which you have already seen.
“Of course I have to apologize to the Queen and everyone who was offended. I’ve been to countless boxes and I’ve never acted this way,” he added.
The kiss was “mutually mutual.”
Rubiales was repeatedly applauded while addressing the General Assembly, which the federation called “urgent”.
He defended his actions, saying he tried to console Hermoso after Marie Erbes saved her from the late penalty.
He said, “Jenny is the one who raised me.” “I told her to forget the penalty kick, and I told her, ‘Tap a little bit?’ And she said, ‘Okay.’”
“It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, blissful and consensual. That’s the key.”
“A consensual ‘click’ is enough to get me out of here? I will fight to the end.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Rubiales’ initial apology “wasn’t enough”, and Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz joined the calls for his resignation.
Footpro, a union representing Hermoso, reported the incident It should not go unpunished While the 33-year-old striker said the federation would “defend my interests” in the matter.
The Pachuca player, who has 101 caps, initially said on Instagram that she “didn’t like” Rubiales’ actions, but a later statement on her behalf defended him.
More to track.
