'I will not resign': Spain FA Chief adamant on not stepping down in wake of WWC kiss saga

Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales refused to resign from his post despite facing severe pressure after his indecent gesture with a Spanish player during the prize distribution ceremony in the FIFA Women's World Cup final. Calls for his resignation have come from all corners, as even Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, lodged his discontent in the matter.

3 things you need to know

• Spain lifted their maiden FIFA WWC title in Sydney
• They defeated England 1-0
• Olga Carmona scored the solitary goal for La Roja

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Luis Rubiales refused to resign from his post

Rubiales was present on the stage with the likes of the Queen of Spain when he kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso during the presentation. The president of Spain’s women’s league, Beatriz Álvarez, told Spanish state broadcaster RTVE that she was not surprised because Rubiales’ “ego is above his dignity.”

[Gianni Infantino, Queen Letizia and Luis Rubiales interact on the podium after Spain wins the Women's World Cup; Image: AP]

“What surprises and scandalizes me are his words,” Álvarez said. “Every time he speaks, he shows what kind of person he really is.”

The 46-year-old Rubiales is under immense pressure to leave his post because of his conduct after Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Sunday.

Also Read: FIFA opens case against Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales for his conduct at FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 final

During the Spanish FA's General Assembly, Rubiales insisted it was indeed a consensual kiss and that he would not resign.

“… the thing with the kiss, which I said was free, was mutual, which was with consent, but obviously I still have to ask for forgiveness for the context in which it occurred. I’m not living outside of the world and I know that I made a mistake in this.

“But do we think that this merits the witch hunt which I’m suffering? Do you really believe that?

“Another thing is what someone has to say publicly, but do you think it merits this hunt? So that they ask for my resignation? Is it so serious so that I have to leave having done the best leadership in the history of Spanish football?

“Do you think I have to resign? Well, I’m going to tell you something: I’m not going to resign! I’m not going to resign! I won’t resign! I’m not going to resign! I’m not going to resign!”

(With AP inputs)