Luis Rubiales suspended by FIFA over Hermoso kiss

Aug 26: FIFA has suspended the President of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, for an initial 90-day period for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

Rubiales kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony after Spain beat England in the Women's World Cup final. He earlier grabbed his crotch as he celebrated at the final whistle.

Hermoso earlier released a statement saying she did not consent to be kissed by the Spanish Football Federation president. She denies Rubiales' claims that the kiss was consensual.

The Spanish government had started legal proceedings seeking to suspend the 46-year-old, while FIFA had also launched disciplinary proceedings.

Rubiales had been widely expected to resign at an extraordinary general assembly called by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), but instead said "I don't deserve this manhunt".

He added: "Jenni was the one who lifted me up. I told her to 'forget about the penalty [that Mary Earps saved]' and I said to her 'a little peck?' and she said 'OK'.

"It was a spontaneous kiss. Mutual, euphoric and consensual. That's the key. A consensual 'peck' is enough to get me out of here?"

Pachuca player Hermoso released a long statement on social media, saying: "I want to make clear that at no time did the conversation to which Luis Rubiales refers to in his address take place and, above all, was his kiss ever consensual."

She added his claims were "categorically false and part of the manipulative culture that he has generated".

At least 81 female players had said they would not play for the national team whilst Rubiales was still in the job.