NEW DELHI: Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales on Friday refused to resign after a week of heavy criticism for his unsolicited kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso following Spain's Women's World Cup triumph.
Rubiales, 46, was expected to step down as president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) after government ministers, players and coaches demanded his resignation.
Rubiales on Friday said the kiss was consensual and he was the victim of 'social assassination'.
"I will not resign, I will not resign," he said.
World football governing body FIFA has also opened disciplinary proceedings against him.
Rubiales had been under fire after kissing Hermoso on the lips while handing the team their medals after they beat England 1-0 in the final on Sunday in Sydney.
Hermoso has said in statement that such acts "should never go unpunished".
Rubiales' half-hearted apology on Monday failed to quell the uproar and on Thursday FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against him.
(With inputs from Reuters)
