Luis Rubiales Faces Backlash and Boycott as Spain's Soccer Federation President
Luis Rubiales, the president of Spain's soccer federation, has refused to resign despite pressure from government officials and an ongoing disciplinary hearing. Rubiales was criticized for giving Spanish star Jennifer Hermoso an unsolicited kiss on the lips after a World Cup victory. He issued a formal apology but doubled down on his assertion that the kiss was consensual. Spain's acting Prime Minister called the apology insufficient, and the entire women's national team and 50 additional players backed Hermoso, saying they would not compete until "leaders resign." FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales, and a men's national team member has announced his departure in protest.