Luis Rubiales: Spanish football boss refuses to quit after Women's World Cup kiss

The president of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales has refused to step down from his position, after he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the team’s World Cup final victory.

The 46-year-old had earlier grabbed his crotch as he celebrated the final whistle, while in the VIP area of Stadium Australia, with Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter stood nearby.

It was expected that he would resign at an extraordinary general assembly called by the federation, but instead he said “a social assassination is taking place”, before repeating “I will not resign” several times, while a number of audience members – including both men’s and women’s national team coaches - applauded.

But, after his speech, Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz said Rubiales “has to go.