Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales now REFUSES to resign after Women's World Cup kiss controversy
Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales caused controversy after kissing Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup
BBC
Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales has sensationally refused to quit following controversy at the Women's World Cup over the weekend.
The 46-year-old grabbed Jenni Hermoso and forcefully grabbed the La Roja star following their 1-0 win over England on Sunday.
Rubiales was also seen kissing other Spain players on the cheek, while he was caught on camera grabbing his crotch as England were put to the sword.
He did this with 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia and Queen Letizia of Spain standing nearby.
Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales has refused to quit his role
PA
It was originally suggested that he would be quitting his role. Following the chaos, however, he's now decided to stay instead.
The 46-year-old came out fighting, citing 'false feminism' while also calling the calls for him to resign a 'social murder'.
He also claimed his kiss with Hermoso was a 'peck'.
And the Spaniard also insisted it was like 'kissing his daughter' as another means of defence.
He said: "This is the body that elected me and the body to which I must give explanations.
"I want to thank everyone for the messages of support that you have sent me, there have been many messages that I have received.
"I want to apologise for an event that occurred in the (VIP) box (at the final).
"I am going to explain it because I was looking at Jorge Vilda (the Spanish women's manager). We have been through a lot together, and they have wanted to do to you the same thing that they are doing to me now, they are trying to create a false version of events and turn it into reality.
"I was very emotional after we won the World Cup and you (Vilda) turned around and dedicated the win to me.
"There I made the gesture (of grabbing his testicles), I apologise to Her Majesty the Queen.
"I have never behaved like this in a box before. I do not justify myself, sorry.
"I want to give my explanation about the peck (small kiss), it was a peck.
"The desire that I could have giving that kiss was the same desire that I could have giving my daughter a kiss, here there was no dominance."
He added: "It was spontaneous, mutual and consensual. It was consensual.
"I have a great relationship with all the players and we had very affectionate moments in this tournament.
He also added: "I will not resign, I will not resign."
Rubiales had previously been expected to leave his post but is now set to continue.
And that's despite Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez saying Rubiales' apology 'wasn't enough'.
“What we saw was an unacceptable gesture,” he said.
“And the apologies he has given are not enough, I believe they are not adequate. He needs to continue to take steps to clarify what we all saw.”
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Luis Rubiales has defended himself after accusastions against the Spain FA chief
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Rubiales was given a big ovation by those present at the press conference, with some journalists standing. Others, however, looked unimpressed and remained rooted to their seats.