The presidents of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) member federations have demanded Mr Rubiales' resignation for "unacceptable behaviour" and called for a restructuring of the organisation. Meanwhile, Mr Rubiales has said the kiss was consensual but was opposed by Hermoso.

Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales kisses player Hermoso on the lips. Photo: Getty

Spain's National Court said it had opened a preliminary investigation into Rubiales' kiss with Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final in Sydney, Australia on August 20, as "it could constitute a sexual assault." The court said it would contact Hermoso to give her the opportunity to file a complaint within 15 days.

FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days last week while it opens disciplinary proceedings against him. But the president can resign if he complies with a request from the RFEF's 19 member federation presidents. "Following recent events and unacceptable behaviour that has seriously damaged the image of Spanish football, the regional presidents demand that Luis Rubiales resign as president of the RFEF with immediate effect," the RFEF said.

Currently, 81 female players, including Hermoso, refuse to play for Spain until the RFEF leadership changes. According to famous player Andres Iniesta, the victory of the women's team at the 2023 Women's World Cup was "tarnished" by Rubiales' behavior.

Protesters demand the resignation of Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales. Photo: AFP

Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales said he was ready to stand trial and affirmed that the kiss he gave Jennifer Hermoso was not motivated by sexual desire or domination, because it happened spontaneously and with the consent of the female player herself.

Previously, in an extraordinary meeting of the Spanish Football Federation, Mr. Luis Rubiales affirmed 5 times that he would not resign and would do everything to protect his seat. According to Marca, the mother of the President of the Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, Ms. Angeles Bejar, locked herself in a church and went on a hunger strike to protest what she considered inhumane treatment of her son.

The incident is still under investigation.

HOAI PHUONG (synthesis)

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