Luis Rubiales has refused to step down as president of the Spanish Football Federation following his behavior at Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final.
Previously, he grabbed his crotch during the final whistle while cheering.
“I will not resign, I will not resign,” he said at an extraordinary general meeting convened by the association. “A social assassination is taking place.”
Rubiales apologized for the kiss on Monday, before FIFA, the world governing body of football, opened a disciplinary procedure against him on Thursday.
On Friday he apologized for grabbing his crotch while partying in the VIP area of Stadium Australia with Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter standing nearby.
“I’m willing to be vilified to defend my ideals,” Rubiales added. “I don’t deserve this manhunt that I’ve been through.
“I want to apologize unreservedly for everything that happened in the box, when in a moment of euphoria I grabbed that part of my body that you have already seen.
“Of course I have to apologize to the Queen and anyone who has felt offended. I’ve been in countless boxes and I’ve never acted like this before.”
Kiss was ‘mutual and consensual’
Rubiales received repeated applause when addressing the meeting called by the association “as a matter of urgency”.
He defended his actions, saying he tried to comfort Hermoso after Mary Earps saved a late penalty.
“Jenni was the one who picked me up,” he said. “I told her to ‘forget the punishment,’ and said to her, ‘A little kiss?’ and she said “ok”.
“It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, euphoric and consensual. That’s the key.”
“A consensual ‘kiss’ enough to get me out of here? I will fight to the end.”
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Rubiales’ initial apology was “not enough” and Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz joined those calling for his resignation.
Futpro, a union representing Hermoso, said the incident should not go unpunished, while the 33-year-old forward said the union will “defend my interests” on the matter.
The Pachuca player, who has 101 caps, initially said on Instagram that she “didn’t like Rubiales’ actions,” but a statement later released on her behalf defended him.
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Source : www.bbc.co.uk