The Spanish football federation has called for its president Luis Rubiales to resign following his controversial kiss at the Women’s World Cup final.
Mr Rubiales has faced widespread criticism after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s victory in the final.
In a statement on Monday evening, the Spanish football federation RFEF said that after “the unacceptable behaviours that have seriously damaged the image of Spanish football”, Mr Rubiales is asked to “immediately present his resignation as president”.
The announcement came after the RFEF had called an “extraordinary and urgent” meeting to discuss the situation.
The federation also requested “a deep and imminent organic restructuring in strategic positions of the federation to give way to a new stage of management in Spanish football”.
Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Madrid at protests called by feminist groups on Monday in support of Hermoso and against Mr Rubiales.
Protesters called for his resignation, chanting: “It’s not a kiss, it is aggression.”
Hundreds of people gathered to protest in downtown Madrid
People held banners supporting Jennifer Hermoso…
… while others held signs protesting against sexism
One of the demonstrators, Carlota Andreas, told Sky News: “I think it’s important that everyone comes here and protests against these people [in football], not just [Luis] Rubiales, everybody.
“It’s unacceptable what he did. He should say goodbye and a woman should be there [to replace him].”
Another protester, Rosario Noguira, said: “Mr Rubiales doesn’t know that Spain has changed. He has committed such a big mistake.
“Football is one of the big headquarters of the ‘machismo’ [sexism] in this country, so that’s why I think this is a ‘me too’ moment.”
Carlota Andreas
Rosario Noguira (left)
Spanish prosecutors have opened inquiries into the kiss, saying they believe the facts of the case may constitute an offence of sexual harassment.
The prosecutors’ office said Hermoso now has 15 days to make a formal complaint.
It added that it had opened pre-trial inquiries because of “public statements made by Jenni Hermoso that the sexual act she experienced and was carried out by Mr Rubiales was non-consensual”.
Hermoso has said in “no moment” did she consent to the kiss.
Read more:
Who is Luis Rubiales?
‘Eye-opening response’ in Madrid to World Cup kiss
Who said what in World Cup kiss row
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Minister: Rubiales acted with ‘sexual aggression’
FIFA suspended Mr Rubiales on Saturday.
In response, he said he would defend himself and has remained defiant in the face of mounting criticism, saying he is the subject of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists”.
Mother goes ‘on hunger strike’
Meanwhile, Mr Rubiales’ mother reportedly locked herself in a church on Monday and started a hunger strike over the “inhuman and bloody hunt” against her son.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Spanish FA boss’s mother locks herself in church
Angeles Bejar told news outlet EFE she will remain in the Divina Pastora church in the southern Spanish town of Motril “indefinitely, day and night” until the situation is resolved.
She said the “hunt” against her son is “something he does not deserve”.
Mr Rubiales’ mother has requested Hermoso “tell the truth” and “maintain the version she had at the beginning of the events”.
Ms Bejar also told EFE her son “is incapable of harming anyone” and claimed there was “consent on both sides”.
