Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has sparked even more outrage in the Spain camp as their Women’s World Cup winners make renewed calls for him to resign after his refusal to walk away from his position over the Jenni Hermoso kissing scandal.
He blamed “false feminism” as one of the driving factors behind his so-called “social murder” and reiterated the kiss was “consented”.
“I am not going to resign,” he shouted four times in a charged speech following an emergency meeting of federation officials, vowing “I will fight until the end.”
Reacting to the development, Spanish men’s team striker Borja Iglesias has quit international football.
The Real Betis forward, 30, took to Twitter to announce his shock resignation in solidarity with the women’s side who have been rocked with scandals before and after their world cup winning campaign.
On Sunday, 20 August, he grabbed his crotch in celebration then kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips as she received her winner’s medal in Sydney following the 1-0 win over England.
READ ALSO: Spain Coach Jorge Vilda Accused Of Inappropriate Touch During World Cup Celebrations
Rubiales also went into the dressing room after full-time, vowing to take the women’s team on a holiday to Ibiza and even to marry Hermoso.
FIFA on Thursday opened a disciplinary proceeding into the situation.
Midfielder Hermoso who saw her penalty was saved by Mary Earps, said on Instagram that she “did not enjoy” the kiss.
Borja who has played twice for Spain, wrote on Friday: “I am sad and disappointed.
“As a footballer and as a person I don’t feel represented by what happened today in the Ciudad del Fútbol de Las Rozas. I find it unfortunate that they continue to press and focus on a colleague.
“Wearing the Spanish National Team shirt is one of the greatest things that has happened to me in my career.
“I don’t know if at some point I will be an option again, but I have made the decision not to return to the National Team until things change and this type of act does not go unpunished.
“For a fairer, more humane and decent football.”
READ ALSO: Spain’s Jenni Hermoso Replicates Iconic Messi Pose With World Cup Trophy In Bed
The tweet was shared by Gary Lineker, who wrote in Spanish: “Strong words and actions,” followed by three clapping emojis.
Alexis Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, and World Cup-winning team-mates Cata Coll, Aitana Bonmati, and Irene Paredes have all spoken out publicly in defence of Jenni Hermoso, the player kissed on the mouth by Rubiales at the World Cup final trophy presentation.
Cata Coll, who was between the sticks for Spain in the final, wrote: ‘What a pity it gives me that 23 soccer players are not the protagonists… It’s over! With you to death Jenni Hermoso’.
Their fellow Spanish player, Patricia Guijarro, who was one of 15 players to voice opposition to head coach Jorge Vilda last year and was not picked for the World Cup, tweeted: ‘It’s over. With you @jennihermoso.
Unfortunate to reach this point to believe that the complaints from months ago were real.’
Barcelona and Norway player Caroline Hansen said: “@jennihermoso with you! This is all lies. We all see what really happened.”
Swiss star and Barcelona player Ana-Maria Crnogorčević took a more vehement approach: “I’m freaking out. It’s over. F** this bullst, fk all this f*king lies. This is insane… With you Jenni always.”