Madrid, 25th August 2023, (GNP): The President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Rubiales refused to Quit on Friday. Luis Manuel Rubiales Béjar has been criticized for kissing team player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the team’s World Cup victory. The Spanish Women’s Football team has refused to play if Rubiales remains in office.
On Friday, Rubiales stated in a board meeting that he “will not resign” and added, “False feminists, are trying to kill me”.
Rubiales, 46, is facing charges for kissing a team player Jenni Hermoso at the World Cup final. Defiant regarding his actions, he also stated that kiss was a “little peck” while adding that was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual”.
Rubiales also reiterated in the meeting that he had asked Hermoso for a kiss, and she responded with “OK”, he continued, “Is a consensual peck going to take me out of here? I won’t resign”, upon which he received applause from the male audience. 
Response from Spanish Authorities
The Spanish Secretary of Sports has remarked about Rubiales that “he wants this to be Spanish football’s Me Too moment.”
Meanwhile, the Spanish government has started legal proceedings that would lead to the his termination. On Thursday, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) also announced a disciplinary action against the Spanish football official.
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Rubiales will face the Spanish court for explanations now. On Friday, Rubiales repeated five times “I will fight this to the end.” Rubiales refusal to quit has come as shock for many.
Football Players and Federation’s Reactions
The Captain of the English women’s Football team Leah Cathrine Williamson on X added, “Abuse is abuse and we all have seen the truth.” Moreover, She added “The behavior of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated. And people should not need convincing to take action against any form of harassment.”
— Leah Williamson (@leahcwilliamson) August 25, 2023
While Spanish women’s Football team including Hermoso announced “not to play in any international competition” until Rubiales is removed from Office.
Moreover, Hermoso has denied Rubiales’s consensual claims and stated Union Futpro will advocate for her voice. while talking on Friday, she added “At no time did I consent to the kiss he gave me”.
