Topics: Spain, Womens World Cup, Womens Football, La Liga
The Spanish FA have threatened Spain striker Jenni Hermoso with legal action after they described her statement about Luis Rubiales as 'lies'.
Spain beat England in the final of the Women's World Cup last weekend, but their achievement has been overshadowed by the actions of the president of the Spanish FA (RFEF).
RFEF president Luis Rubiales was caught on camera kissing two Spanish players - Hermoso and Aitana Bonmati - on the lips as the players collected their winners medals.
There were calls from players, journalists and Spanish politicians for Rubiales to resign, but in his defence RFEF published a statement claiming that Hermoso had no issue with the kiss.
Advert
On Friday the RFEF held a press conference where it was expected that Rubiales would step down from his position.
Instead, the 46-year-old doubled down and insisted he would not resign.
Rubiales claimed that he was the victim of a witch-hunt, that he was being 'socially murdered', and that it was in fact Hermoso who had initiated the kiss, not him.
Later on Friday evening Hermoso published a statement in which she refuted the president's claims, saying she did not consent to the kiss and that she had been pressured by the RFEF to publish a statement excusing Rubiales' actions.
FUTPRO - Spain's professional footballers' association - published a statement on behalf of 81 female players saying they will not represent Spain until Rubiales is removed from power.
In response, the RFEF published a remarkable defence of Rubiales that includes a four-part dissection of the moment Rubiales kissed Hermoso and threatens legal action.
Using a series of four images accompanied by analysis, the RFEF claims they have proven that Rubiales did not initiate the kiss.
"The evidence is conclusive," the statement read. "Mr President has not lied."
It continued: "The RFEF and the President, given the seriousness of the content of the press release from the Futpro union, will initiate the corresponding legal actions."
The RFEF also said that players have an "obligation" to play for the national team if selected.
Along with his female colleagues, Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias has made himself unavailable for international duty until Rubiales is removed.
