Calls for the head of Spanish football to resign arose amidst a sexist scandal: after the victory over the English national team, he kissed the Spanish team's forward Jennifer Hermoso on the lips.
"Could a consensual kiss make me step down? I will fight until the end," declared Luis Rubiales during the specially convened General Assembly of the Spanish Football Federation.
Several prominent Spanish politicians, including the Prime Minister, and sports stars believed the kiss was coerced and that apologies were insufficient, Euronews reports.
"I won't leave!" chanted the federation's president. "This is a social assassination," he added, threatening legal action against his critics.
According to Rubiales, his gesture was driven by "euphoria," not a "dominance stance." He also strongly opposed what he called "false feminism" that "doesn't seek truth."
Minister for Gender Equality Irene Montero and Minister of Labor and leader of the Sumar left-wing party Yolanda Díaz called on the government to take action to remove Rubiales from his position.
In response to this incident, players of the Spain Women football team have declared a strike and refuse to play if the current leadership remains in place. Spanish national team forward Jennifer Hermoso reiterated that she never gave consent for a kiss from Rubiales.
"I cannot tolerate someone questioning my words, let alone inventing comments I never made," the athlete stated. She also expressed feeling like a victim of aggression.
Victor Francos, the President of Spain's High Sports Council, has commented that they are prepared for this incident to catalyze the #MeToo movement within Spanish football, potentially leading to significant changes. The government is poised to issue a strong warning, emphasizing that certain actions cannot be repeated.
The case involving potential instances of sexual coercion has been handed over to the prosecution.
According to Euronews, Rubiales cannot be dismissed without a court decision, and despite calls from both authorities and the female team players for him to step down, he remains adamant in staying.
Rubiales has expressed regret for the kiss, attributing his actions to overwhelming emotions during the award ceremony, and has recognized the inappropriateness of his behavior.
Earlier, Daryo reported that a number of Spanish government officials called for Rubiales to step down. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez considered the official's apologies inadequate.
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