The suspension came after England’s Lionesses slammed his refusal to back down and described the episode as “unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation”.
London Belfast Birmingham Cardiff Glasgow Manchester Newcastle Norwich Plymouth “Abuse is abuse”, the England team, led by Millie Bright, said in a joint statement, adding: “The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated.”
The scandal erupted after 46-yearold Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain beat England 1-0 in the final last Sunday.
It sparked outrage but he refused to quit, blaming “false feminism” for what he called a “social assassination”.
He claimed on Friday that the action was consensual, stating: “It was a spontaneous kiss. A consensual ‘peck’ is enough to get me out of here?”
Eighty-one female players, including Hermoso and her World Cupwinning colleagues, signed a letter saying they would refuse to play for Spain while he remained in post.
FIFA, which opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales on Thursday, then announced he was banned “from all football-related activities at national and international level” for an initial period of 90 days.
Rubiales was also spotted appearing to grab his crotch in celebration during the match, despite being just metres away from Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old younger daughter.
He apologised for his behaviour in the VIP area but was applauded by gathered delegates at a general assembly of the RFEF on Friday when he insisted he would not resign.
FIFA stepped in after a wave of protests from across the footballing world. Spanish striker Borja Iglesias quit the men’s national team, while former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea said “my ears are bleeding” after Rubiales refused to go.
Last night the manager of the men’s team, Luis de la Fuente, criticised the “wrong and misplaced behaviour” of the RFEF president.
And here, former sports minister Tracey Crouch said: “We were supposed to be talking about how great Spain’s victory was for women’s football but instead it is this.”
The Tory MP for Chatham and Aylesford added: “One step forward, two giant leaps back. Come on UEFA/ FIFA, it’s embarrassing/dangerous.”
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