11:23
Rubiales claimed the kiss was ‘consensual’, insists he will not step down
Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales insisted he would not step down during a meeting of the country’s football association yesterday.
He was expected to resign from after he was criticised for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony last weekend.
“I will not resign, I will not resign, I will not resign,” said a defiant Rubiales.
He claimed that it “was a spontaneous kiss, mutual and euphoric, and, above all, consensual” – adding that he had asked Hermoso before kissing her.
The midfielder later rejected his claims.
11:36
Hermoso denies Rubiales’ claim that the kiss was consensual
Hermoso released a statement last night in response to Rubiales’ claims that the kiss was consensual.
Issued via Instagram, Spain’s all-time record women’s goalscorer said that Rubiales’ actions have “cut short” the celebrations following Spain’s World Cup victory.
She said Rubiales’ claims – that he kissed her on the lips with consent – are “categorically false and part of the manipulative culture that he himself has generated”.
“I want to make it clear that at no time did the conversation to which Mr. Luis Rubiales refers to in his address take place, and, above all, was his kiss ever consensual”.
10:39
Lionesses stand by Hermoso
The Lionesses – who Spain beat last Sunday to win the World Cup – have come out in support of Hermoso.
A statement released by the England women’s team that was shared by several players said that “We all stand with you, @jennihermoso and all the players of the Spanish women’s team”.
The statement adds that “people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment”.
The statement was shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) by several England players, including Leah Williamson and Ella Toone.
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