Regional presidents of the Spanish Football Federation demanded the resignation of suspended head Luis Rubiales on Monday after he forcedly kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips, setting up outrage around the world.
“After recent events and the unacceptable behaviour that has seriously damaged the image of Spanish football, the presidents request that Luis Rubiales resign immediately as president of the RFEF,” said the federation (RFEF) in a statement following a meeting between the regional presidents.
The presidents said they backed interim chief Pedro Rocha, who called the meeting, to lead the organisation into “dialogue and reconciliation with all football institutions”.
The RFEF statement also called for a reorganisation of the federation’s management.
“We will urge the relevant authorities to carry out a profound and imminent organisational restructuring in strategic positions of the federation in order to make way for a new stage in the management of Spanish football,” it read.
In addition, the regional presidents congratulated the women’s team on their World Cup victory in Australia and New Zealand. Currently, 81 players, including Hermoso, are on strike until the leadership of the federation changes.
Prosecutors at Spain’s highest criminal court announced earlier Monday that they had begun a preliminary inquiry into Rubiales’ kiss on the grounds that it could constitute a “sexual assault” crime.
“Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault,” a court statement said.
According to the statement, they would also contact Hermoso and offer her the opportunity to launch a case within 15 days.
