The Spanish football federation has called for its president Luis Rubiales to resign following his controversial kiss at the Women’s World Cup final.
Mr Rubiales, 46, has faced widespread criticism after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s victory in the final.
In a statement on Monday evening, the Spanish football federation RFEF said that after “the unacceptable behaviours that have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football”, Mr Rubiales is asked to “immediately present his resignation as president of the RFEF”.
RFEF had called an “extraordinary and urgent” meeting to discuss the situation.
It comes as Spanish prosecutors opened inquiries into the kiss, announcing they believe the facts of the case may constitute an offence of sexual harassment.
The prosecutors said Hermoso now has 15 days to formalise the complaint.
The prosecutor’s office said: “It was agreed to approach Jenni Hermoso so as to inform her of her rights as a possible victim of the offence of sexual harassment… and to offer her the opportunity should she wish within the next 15 days to file a complaint with the Prosecutors Office of the Spanish High Court.”
The prosecutor’s office said it opened pre-trial inquiries because of “public statements made by Jenni Hermoso that the sexual act she experienced and was carried out by Mr Rubiales was non-consensual”.
Hermoso has said in “no moment” did she consent to the kiss.
Read more:
Who is Luis Rubiales?
Who said what in World Cup kissing row
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Minister: Rubiales acted with ‘sexual aggression’
FIFA suspended Mr Rubiales on Saturday.
In response, he said he would defend himself and has remained defiant in the face of mounting criticism, saying he’s the subject of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists”.
