Spanish football holds 'urgent' meeting after World Cup kiss

Football federation president Luis Rubiales is facing calls to resign

Atletico Madrid players and staff hold a banner in support of Spain's Jenni Hermoso. Reuters

Spanish football chiefs have called an “extraordinary and urgent" meeting for Monday to discuss the kiss controversy that has engulfed its president after the country’s women’s team won the World Cup.

Federation president Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso during the celebration, a kiss she says was not consensual and which he insists was. Mr Rubiales has resisted pressure since then to resign.

Over the weekend the global organising body Fifa suspended him from football operations for 90 days, the players boycotted matches while he stays in charge, and all coaches – except head coach Jorge Vilda – resigned.

So far, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has supported its president.

But Maria Dolores Martinez Madrona, a referee and sexual violence protocol officer for the federation, has confirmed an investigation is taking place.

The RFEF has called regional federations to an "extraordinary and urgent" meeting "to evaluate the situation in which the federation finds itself", a representative said on Sunday.

The Spanish government cannot fire Mr Rubiales but has strongly denounced his actions.

Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz is due to meet on Monday representatives of the women's players' union Futpro, which represented Hermoso, and the Association of Spanish Footballers to ensure the sport "has decent conditions and spaces free of sexist violence".

Acting budget minister Maria Jesus Montero said on Sunday that Mr Rubiales should not return to lead Spanish football.

"A person who lies, who has made a show of not having understood what the fight for equality means in an area as important as sport, cannot have the direction of football in this country in his hands," Ms Montero said.

Luis Rubiales has so far refused to step down. AFP

Feminist groups have called a demonstration on Monday in Madrid entitled "With you Jenni". Hundreds of people staged a demonstration on Sunday in Salamanca against Mr Rubiales.

Victor Francos, head of the state-run National Sports Council, has called the incident a MeToo moment for Spain.

On Saturday, 11 members of the women's team's coaching staff offered their resignations to the RFEF in a statement supporting Hermoso and condemning Mr Rubiales.

Vilda said on Saturday that he regretted the president's "inappropriate behaviour".

All 23 of Spain's cup-winning squad including Hermoso, as well as dozens of other squad members, have said they would not play internationals while Mr Rubiales remained head of the federation.

Their next match is away to Sweden in the Nations League on September 22.

Spain's victory

Ivana Andres of Spain and teammates celebrate with the trophy after beating England 1-0 in the Women's World Cup final at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023. Getty

Aitana Bonmati of Spain celebrates after the team's victory. Getty

Spain celebrate their victory over England at the final whistle. AP

Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati of Spain celebrate after the team's victory. Getty

Mary Earps of England shows dejection after the team’s defeat to Spain. Getty

Olga Carmona of Spain scores the opening goal. EPA

Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates after scoring the opener. EPA

Olga Carmona of Spain celebrates after scoring her team's first goal in the Women's World Cup final at Stadium Australia in Sydney on August 20, 2023. Getty

Olga Carmona of Spain scores her team's first goal past Mary Earps of England. Getty

Spain's Olga Carmona celebrates scoring her team's first goal. AFP

Mary Earps of England saves a penalty taken by Jennifer Hermoso of Spain. Getty

Mary Earps of England reacts after saving a penalty taken by Jennifer Hermoso of Spain. Getty

England goalkeeper Mary Earps saves a penalty from Spain's Jennifer Hermoso. PA

England's goalkeeper Mary Earps reacts after saving a penalty from Spain's Jennifer Hermoso. AP

Spanish keeper Cata Coll of Spain dives as Lauren Hemp's shot hits the crossbar. Getty

A shot from England's Lauren Hemp, right, hits the crossbar . AP

England's Lauren Hemp is shown a yellow card by referee Tori Penso. Reuters

Alex Greenwood of England receives medical attention. Getty

England's Alex Greenwood waits to return to the pitch after having her head bandaged. PA