REEF President Rubiales under fire for his behavior at World Cup final.

MADRID, Aug. 24 — Pressure is mounting on the President of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales to either resign or be sacked for his behavior at the Women’s World Cup final in Australia last Sunday. Rubiales caused outrage when he unexpectedly and without the player’s consent kissed Spanish midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips in the awarding ceremony, while videos also showed that he made obscene gestures earlier in the Directors Box in the Stadium, where he sat close to the Queen of Spain and the Infanta Sofia. The RFEF have announced an emergency meeting, but the early indications are that Rubiales has no intention of resigning. An attempt by Rubiales to apologize in a video message gained further criticism from all quarters, with acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, saying Rubiales had made “an unacceptable gesture,” adding “I don’t think the apology has been enough.” Spain’s Minister of Sport, Miquel Iceta said that if the RFEF didn’t sack Rubiales, then Spain’s Superior Sports Committee (CSD) would take action. “They have to take decisions and if the Federation don’t take them, then the CSD will,” commented Iceta on Wednesday. It has also been revealed in the Spanish media that Rubiales tried to pressure Hermoso to appear alongside him the video where he apologized for his actions, but the player refused to do so. Hermoso then further increased the pressure on the RFEF President on Wednesday with a statement released. “We ask the Royal Spanish Football Federation to implement the necessary protocols, ensure the rights of our players and adopt exemplary measures,” reads the statement. “It is essential that our national team, current world champion, is always represented by figures that project values of equality and respect in all areas. It is necessary to continue to advance in the fight for equality, a fight that our female players have led with determination, bringing us to the position we are in today.” Hermoso has also received the support of the Association of Spanish Soccer Players (AFE) and the Women’s Football league (Liga F), with both organizations asking for Rubiales to either resign or be sacked.