Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has claimed he is the 'victim of a political and media lynching' who is actually 'advancing feminism' as he continues to fight attempts to suspend him.
Rubiales sparked outrage after the Women's World Cup final as he kissed Hermoso on the mouth as she stepped up to receive her medal following Spain's 1-0 win.
Footage also emerged that showed Rubiales grabbing his crotch while standing near Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter Princess Infanta Sofia - behaviour he later apologised for.
FIFA has already handed Rubiales a 90-day ban and Mail Sport revealed the governing body is pushing for a 15-year ban from all football.
In Spain, the Sports Administrative Tribunal (TAD) has opened a case against the 46-year-old, but it is for 'serious', rather than 'very serious' misconduct.
This means the National Sports Council (CSD) is unable to suspend Rubiales while the investigation is ongoing, but acting Sports and Culture Minister Miquel Iceta called on Friday for the tribunal to suspend the president for 'abusing his authority' and damaging the sport's image.
Within minutes of Iceta's claims, Rubiales hit back with an explosive statement that read: 'I am the victim of an unprecedented political and media lynching.
'I have been deliberately sidelined. But I have presented all the relevant images that show the facts. That evidence will ignore opinions and clear my name.'
He also claimed that he was 'advancing the feminist cause' and that his case would be important for 'real victims of aggression.'
Rubiales was initially supported by key members within the RFEF, with Spain manager Luis De La Fuente seen applauding when the president announced he would not be resigning.
However, the coach has since withdrawn his support and apologised unreservedly.
As reported by Marca, he said: 'What I did is unjustifiable. What I'm trying to expose is the context. I was overwhelmed, I didn't know how to live up to it and I couldn't control my emotions.
'When you later reflect and see yourself on cameras... I don't recognize myself. Inside the forest one sees nothing but branches and when one separates from the forest one sees the true situation.'
'Almost all of us RFEF workers went thinking that we were going to see the dismissal of a president and we found something completely different. It was not easy to digest, it was a situation that overwhelmed me.'
In addition, De La Fuente asked for forgiveness and stressed that he wouldn't commit such an act again.
He said: 'I have not felt betrayed by Luis Rubiales, but I arrived thinking that it was going to be a resignation meeting and we were shocked when we saw that it was not like that.'
'I don't have to resign, I have to ask for forgiveness. I made a mistake, an inexcusable human error. If I could go back I wouldn't commit that act again.'
'I am on the side of equality and respect. We all have to improve in terms of equality and I am the first.'
Rubiales has repeatedly said that the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso said there was no consent.
Reuters report that a preliminary investigation has been opened by prosecutors into a possible sexual assault over the kiss.
wukblmn
1
what is there to be investigated in an inappropriate kiss than a sincere apology and maybe a fine maximum,this westerners are taking their hypocrisy to a whole new level.
Loealnru
0
so its ok to kiss female players?
but why goof around about it and when the media does it's shitt you play along for all we know maybe they even had something in the background has anyone ever thought of that
Zeoaelmnsy
1
Let’s go the next thing is coming, they will never stop 🛑. Legends will understand… western media and truth is between dry fish and sea water
Zeoaelmnsy
0
If he kissed one of the male players in the same way. They would’ve called him a brave pioneer. Trial by media. The man made a mistake and apologised for it. He explained his reasons and they are pretty valid considering it was just a closed mouth kiss it’s not like he used his tongue or put his hands down the front of her shorts. I saw Jürgen Klopp pick up a female member of Liverpool FC‘s coaching staff last weekend. When they won at Newcastle he hugged all the male members and picks the female member up and in celebration and I’m surprised that we haven’t heard anything about that. Are we going to have to have all female backroom teams and presidents of FA’s to deal with the womens football And leave us men out of, it’s too much trouble.
You are very right❤️.. western media if they praise someone that’s the bad guy and if they castigate someone, that’s good guy. Legends will understand
Fabianobus
1
If he kissed one of the male players in the same way. They would’ve called him a brave pioneer. Trial by media. The man made a mistake and apologised for it. He explained his reasons and they are pretty valid considering it was just a closed mouth kiss it’s not like he used his tongue or put his hands down the front of her shorts. I saw Jürgen Klopp pick up a female member of Liverpool FC‘s coaching staff last weekend. When they won at Newcastle he hugged all the male members and picks the female member up and in celebration and I’m surprised that we haven’t heard anything about that. Are we going to have to have all female backroom teams and presidents of FA’s to deal with the womens football And leave us men out of, it’s too much trouble.
You forgot to say Klopp kissed the female staff… if this president is not being stupid and unprofessional why will you kiss, someone’s wife/girlfriend ? Let a lot on television with so much evidence…. This man should get the hell out of the media and stop looking for media pity 👌
Juantero
4
the "victim " was cool with it, even joking about about it with her teammates on the bus. IMO this was a diversion by the English media about their loss because they fuelled this story. anyway the Spanish history win has been over shadowed
SylvesterMarkAppau
0
If he kissed one of the male players in the same way. They would’ve called him a brave pioneer. Trial by media. The man made a mistake and apologised for it. He explained his reasons and they are pretty valid considering it was just a closed mouth kiss it’s not like he used his tongue or put his hands down the front of her shorts. I saw Jürgen Klopp pick up a female member of Liverpool FC‘s coaching staff last weekend. When they won at Newcastle he hugged all the male members and picks the female member up and in celebration and I’m surprised that we haven’t heard anything about that. Are we going to have to have all female backroom teams and presidents of FA’s to deal with the womens football And leave us men out of, it’s too much trouble.
Stop being unreasonable. The man has apologized himself
konbckmpty
5
If he kissed one of the male players in the same way. They would’ve called him a brave pioneer. Trial by media. The man made a mistake and apologised for it. He explained his reasons and they are pretty valid considering it was just a closed mouth kiss it’s not like he used his tongue or put his hands down the front of her shorts. I saw Jürgen Klopp pick up a female member of Liverpool FC‘s coaching staff last weekend. When they won at Newcastle he hugged all the male members and picks the female member up and in celebration and I’m surprised that we haven’t heard anything about that. Are we going to have to have all female backroom teams and presidents of FA’s to deal with the womens football And leave us men out of, it’s too much trouble.
AFer18463985
1
exactly
dukdinrs
4
People are always confused about things that has to do with women. A man will be sent to prison for attempting rape but there will be no concern over a woman raping a man. I have experience it before when some girls raped me on three separate occasions. If a woman force me to have sex with her when she is highly in the mood is called what please? Women won't kill us with this their devilish trick just for monetary benefit and also to gain public attention. It's a pity gaskiya!
Cabacdeilr
1
so its ok to kiss female players?
Stickle
3
It's OK, La Liga brought in Greenwood to distract everyone from Rubiales' transgressions. His kiss looks real tame compared to Greenwood's rape.
Bokabdempt
1
nobody wants to be tat bad guy
Bokabdempt
1
disgrace!!!
Bokabdempt
1
drama!!!
Chrismaris1
1
Rubbish 🗑 🚮 the name of this case in its entirety
ismaalnasi
0
We are also victims of reading your endless news sir.