Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has now issued a defiant speech in response his unsolicited kiss on Spain women's star Jenni Hermoso last weekend.
There have been many loud calls for the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief to leave his role in the aftermath of his behaviour following La Roja's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup triumph, when he inappropriately grabbed and kissed Hermoso on the lips.
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However, speaking at an extraordinary assembly on Friday afternoon, Rubiales insisted that he will not resign, and attempted to explain why he grabbed his crotch and kissed Hermoso during the medals ceremony after Spain's victory last Sunday.
"Good morning to all the football people who have wanted to be here accompanying us at a time when great expectations have been generated. This is the body that elected me and to which I have to explain myself. I want to thank you for all the messages of support that I have received. Also to people who are not from football. Although silenced they are supporting me, I would say that they are more against it," he said at the RFEF assembly, per Fichajes.
"I want to apologise without conditions for the events that occurred in the box. In a moment of euphoria in which I grabbed my parts. But I want to look at Jorge Vilda. We've been through a lot in these years. You've been through the same thing as what they're doing to me now. I was very emotional, to the point of losing control, when you first looked at the box and you dedicated the victory to me and I made the sign of 'ole your eggs'. Once again I have to apologise to the Royal House, the queen and the infanta. It is not very edifying. My most sincere apologies. I do not justify myself.
"... [of the Hermoso incident] I said: 'A little peck?' She understood it and saw it as an anecdote. Then these pressures begin, the silence of the player and a statement that I cannot understand. A social murder is taking place here, I am being accused of killing. As Spaniards we have to make an analysis of where we are going. Being a world champion is the greatest thing in football. We've fought a lot for that. I am being accused of killing. As Spaniards we have to make an analysis of where we are going. Being a world champion is the greatest thing in football. We've fought a lot for that.
"I have been told that the best thing is for me to resign. There must be some reason for them to take you out of a place. Is a spoiled peak to get me out of here? Who knows me knows that we are going to go all the way. I hope the law is complied with.
"The time has come to say something. Do you think that it is a reason to suffer the hunt that I am suffering? Is it so serious for me to leave? I'm not going to resign!"
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