Spain World Cup star Jenni Hermoso says she did not consent to Luis Rubiales kiss

Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso says she did not consent to being kissed by Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after the women’s World Cup final on Sunday (25 September).

Mr Rubiales was widely criticised after he grabbed Ms Hermoso and kissed her on the lips during an awards ceremony in which winner’s medals were handed to players following the team’s 1-0 victory over England.

The football chief has claimed Ms Hermoso consented to the kiss – but the attacking midfielder has denied his claims, saying in a statement that at “no time” did she tell Mr Rubiales she was happy to be kissed.

She added: ”I don’t tolerate that my word is questioned, much less that words are invented that I haven’t said.”

It comes after she previously said “I did not like it, but what could I do?” when discussing the controversial moment, which marred Spain’s victory.

Some 81 players, including all of Spain’s 23-strong World Cup-winning squad, have also signed a joint statement that pledges they will no longer play any more matches for their country until Mr Rubiales resigns.

The statement read: “After everything that happened during the delivery of medals of the Women’s World Cup, we want to state that all the players who sign this letter will not return to a call for the national team if the current leaders continue.”

Mr Rubiales has also been widely chastised for grabbing his crotch following the match.

The Spanish government has started legal proceedings seeking to suspend the football chief over his actions and Fifa has also launched disciplinary proceedings against him.

Mr Rubiales hit back at calls for him to quit at an extraordinary general assembly called by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) where he was widely expected to announce his resignation.

He said: “I don’t deserve this manhunt,” adding: “It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, euphoric and consensual. That’s the key. A consensual ‘peck’ is enough to get me out of here?”

Mr Rubiales claimed Mr Hermoso “lifted me up” in a celebratory gesture and he asked her for “a little kiss?” and she “said yes”.

He claimed: “The kiss was the same I could give one of my daughters.”

The televised broadcast of the medals ceremony show Mr Rubiales with his feet on the ground before he held Ms Hermoso’s face and kissed her.

Mr Rubiales also repeatedly declared at the meeting ”I won’t resign” when discussing calls from him to quit.

Spain’s government is set to ask Mr Rubiales to explain his actions to a Spanish administrative court as soon as possible, according to the country’s secretary of sport Victor Francos.

The official could be suspended if the the court deems he violated the professional sports code.

Fifa will examine whether his actions constitute violations of Article 13 in its disciplinary code, which relate to offensive behaviour and fair play.

Spain’s next fixture is against Sweden in the Nations League on 22 September.

Spanish international footballer Borja Iglesias has said he will not play for Spain again while Rubiales is in charge of the federation.

This story is being updated.