Luis Rubiales: Spain's FA President Refuses to Resign in Extraordinary Press Conference

• Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales controversially kissed Spain defender Jenni Hermoso during the women’s team’s World Cup celebrations
• His actions have triggered a chain of events, with increased calls for his resignation
• On Friday, August 25, Rubiales categorically stated that he would not resign

The drama surrounding Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has taken a new twist as he released a statement on Friday, August 25, confirming that he would not step down despite pressure from various entities.

Rubiales courted controversy last Sunday after embracing Spain's Jenni Hermoso shortly before kissing the player on the lips during the post-world cup presentation after the Spaniards sunk England 1-0 to clinch the trophy.

He initially dismissed his actions in the immediate aftermath of the incident before coming out with an apology on Monday, but that did little to ease the pressure coming his way.

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Calls for Rubiales to stand down have heightened as the week progressed, and he was expected to finally step down from his role as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

But, in the shocker of the day, Rubiales held a press conference that lasted more than 30 minutes where he maintained he would not step down from his position in an extraordinary rant.

"I will not resign, I will not resign," He stated as quoted on BBC.

"I apologise unreservedly but I don't deserve this manhunt I have been suffering."

Interestingly, he was applauded as he addressed the assembly and went on to claim he was comforting Hermoso, who saw her penalty in the final saved by England’s Mary Earps.

"Jenni was the one who lifted me up," he said. "I told her to 'forget about the penalty' and I said to her 'a little peck?' and she said 'OK',” he went on.

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Prior to Rubiales’ presser, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had also come out to criticize the 46-year-old, insisting that an apology “was not enough”, as cited by Spanish outlet El Mundo.

Futpro, a players' union representing Hermoso also turned the heat on Rubiales by saying the incident should not go unpunished.

Spanish footballers criticize Rubiales

Sports Brief also reported on David De Gea’s blunt tweet in reference to Lis Rubiales’ latest comments.

De Gea is just one of several other Spanish footballers and ex-professionals who were critical of the Spain FA President over his refusal to step down.

Iker Casillas, the most capped Spain goalkeeper, also chimed in after the presser by tweeting, “embarrassing,”.