# Luis Rubiales Refuses to Resign After Kissing Spanish Footballer Jenni Hermoso
The Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales has been at the center of controversy after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win over England in Sydney. The incident has sparked outrage and 81 players have confirmed they will not play for Spain’s national team until Rubiales is removed from his post.
## Rubiales Refuses to Resign
Rubiales had been widely expected to resign at an extraordinary general assembly called by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), but instead said “I don’t deserve this manhunt”. He added: “It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, euphoric and consensual. That’s the key. A consensual ‘peck’ is enough to get me out of here?”
However, a statement released by players’ union Futpro included quotes from Pachuca’s Hermoso, which read: “I want to clarify, that at no time did I consent to the kiss. I don’t tolerate that my word is questioned, much less that words are invented that I haven’t said.” The statement was signed by a host of players, including all 23 members of the squad which just won the World Cup.
## Spanish Government Takes Action
The Spanish government started legal proceedings seeking to suspend Rubiales, while Fifa has also launched disciplinary proceedings. The statement read: “After everything that happened during the delivery of medals of the Women’s World Cup, we want to state that all the players who sign this letter will not return to a call for the national team if the current leaders continue.”
Spain’s next game is against Sweden in the Nations League on 22 September and Borja Iglesias, who plays for Real Betis, said earlier on Friday he would not play for the men’s national team again while Rubiales is in charge.
The Spanish government will ask Rubiales to explain himself to a Spanish court as soon as possible, secretary of sport Victor Francos said earlier on Friday. If the administrative court deems he violated the professional sports code, he could then be suspended. Meanwhile, Fifa will look at whether his actions constitute violations of Article 13 in its disciplinary code, concerning offensive behaviour and fair play.
## Conclusion
The incident between Rubiales and Hermoso has sparked a huge debate in Spain and beyond about consent and respect in sport. It remains to be seen what the outcome of the legal proceedings and disciplinary action will be, but it is clear that the players are standing together in their demand for Rubiales to be removed from his post.