Shockwaves are reverberating around Spanish and world football in wake of kiss during medal awards ceremony at Women's World Cup. Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales shocked global television audiences when he grabbed Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso's head and firmly kissed her on lips. Rubiales has refused to resign, despite many calls for him to do so. Ms Hermoso said: "I believe no person, in any work, sport or social setting should be victim of this type of non-consensual behaviour. I felt vulnerable and victim of impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act, without any consent on my part." She added: "Quite simply, I was not respected."
Mr Rubiales maintains he did nothing wrong. He said the kiss was simply spur-of-the-moment reaction due to being caught up in emotion of Spain's World Cup success. He apologized for kiss in press statement on Monday. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the apology was 'not enough'". Other ministers called for Rubiales to resign. The Spanish football federation are backing Rubiales. They are taking legal action against Ms Hermoso over her "lies". On Saturday, Spain's entire coaching staff, except for manager Jorge Vilda, resigned over row. Football's world governing body FIFA have provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days pending investigation into kiss.
