TRANSCRIPT
After holding an urgent meeting on Monday ((28 August)), the regional chiefs of the Spanish Football Federation have unanimously called for the immediate resignation of Luis Rubiales.
The meeting was called after Mr Rubiales was expected to step down from his position at a federation meeting on Friday ((August 25)), but instead defended his behaviour and called the kiss "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual."
Ms Hermoso denies the kiss was consensual, and says it made her feel "vulnerable" and like "a victim of aggression."
In a statement issued by the Federation, the regional chiefs say the recent events have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football.
Las Palmas Football Federation president Juan Jose Arencibia says the resignation request reflects the Federation's commitment to make substantial and necessary change.
"I couldn´t be flexible with this. I came to the last meeting thinking that he would resign and it was clear to me that in this kind of issue the values and the morals are above everything else...Changes need to be made and this is a unique change to make things right and make facts, beyond the words and the statements. We need to take action."
Spain's High Court prosecutor has opened a preliminary investigation into whether Mr Rubiales might have committed an act of sexual aggression ((28 August)).
Amid the continuing fallout, protesters took to Madrid's streets on Monday ((28 August)) to show support for Ms Hermoso and call for Mr Rubiales' resignation.
Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz attended the protest in solidarity with Ms Hermoso.
Ms Diaz has promised total support for the football star, saying Mr Rubiales and those who defended his actions should not be permitted to retain their leadership positions.
“Those officials who applauded Mr. Rubiales are not suitable to continue in their positions. Whoever applauds the violation of someone’s rights, whoever applauds a presumed sexual aggression...should not continue in their positions.”
Speaking alongside Ms Diaz on Monday ((28 August)), Spanish women's football union FUTPRO president Amanda Gutierrez said the incident crystalises the urgent need for systemic change.
“I give my full support to our member, Jenni Hermoso. Like we said in our statement, this is not just about a single act, nor do we want it to be focused on just one person. But what we want to say and what we have said together with the players, is that this a structural problem. This is a problem with the system which organises soccer in our country.”
Leaders outside of Spain have also weighed in on the controversy.
United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says sexism is still a critical issue in sport, urging the Spanish authorities to respond in a way that addresses these broader systemic and structural issues.
"I mean, how difficult is it not to kiss someone on the lips, right? I mean there is a critical issue of sexism that remain in sports and we hope that the Spanish authorities and the Spanish government deal with this in a manner that respects the rights of all female athletes."
