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      FA creep Luis Rubiales refuses to apologise to Jenni Hermoso & says kiss was ‘noble’ in bombshell Piers Morgan interview

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise to footie ace Jenni Hermoso in bombshell Piers Morgan interview.The disgraced football president, 46, sparked outrage when he kissed Hermoso without her consent after his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month.
      Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise to Jenni HermosoCredit: Talk TV
      Rubiales caused a worldwide storm by kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the Women’s World Cup Final
      The row caused a shockwave across the international football world, as numerous figures called for his resignation and Spanish prosecutors opened a criminal investigation.
      But in a revealing sit-down with Piers, Rubiales defended his actions – saying the kiss was “noble”.
      He said: “You can imagine if you win the lottery or hopefully soon one day the war in the Ukraine finishes, I mean celebrations will go on up and down the globe. 
      “People don’t ask permissions, it’s just a happy, happy time and people celebrate.
      “This has turned out to be a snowball created by spurious arguments and people. 
      “My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual, 100%, I repeat, 100%.”
      During the interview he was repeatedly pressed by Piers to apologise to Hermoso – but he insists it was a misunderstanding.
      He said: “It was a mutual act, she came towards me, very happy. She lifted me up, she lifted me up in the air… We were both emotional. 
      Most read in Football
      “When we hit the ground, I had a quick conversation with her. We congratulated each other. I gave her a quick peck. I asked her, can I give you a quick peck, which is normal in our country. 
      “I think she gave me one or two slaps in my side, she was laughing, and that was it. No intention. 
      “Of course no sexual connotation of anything. Just a moment of happiness, just great joy in that moment.”
      It comes after Rubiales this week revealed he is resigning following the scandal.
      On Wednesday World Cup Champion Jenni Hermoso presented a complaint of sexual assault against Rubiales to the Spanish prosecutors office.
      He formally announced his resignation from the Spanish FA and from his UEFA vice-presidency.
      It’s the first formal complaint from Hermoso, 33, following the non consensual kiss after Spain’s victory.
      She lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office – as the public ministry will present an official complaint soon against Rubiales soon.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      A judge at Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid will be tasked with conducting the probe and deciding whether Rubiales should face charges before inviting prosecutors to indict the suspended Spanish FA president.
      Watch the full interview on Talk TV’s Piers Morgan Uncensored.
      Rubiales revealed the bombshell news in an interview with Piers Morgan
      Piers Morgan pressed him for an apologyCredit: Talk TV More

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      Who is Luis Rubiales’ ex-wife Maria Manuela Delicado Vega?

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      LUIS Rubiales has announced his resignation following the scandal at the Women’s World Cup Final.Following his bombshell announcement, it comes as no surprise that many want to know more about his ex-wife and the children they share.
      Luis Rubiales pictured in the stands during the FIFA World Cup in 2022Credit: Reuters
      Who is Luis Rubiales’ ex-wife Maria Manuela Delicado Vega?
      Maria Manuela Delicado Vega was previously married to former Spanish FA chief and former professional player, Luis Rubiales.
      Maria, who works as a lawyer, split from Rubiales over a decade ago and is known to reside in a small town near Valencia, the Daily Mail reports.
      The pair reportedly remained on good terms following their separation.
      Aside from this information, not much else is known about Rubiales former wife, however, he did address the break up of his marriage in interview with the programme ‘Viajando con Chester’ held earlier this year.
      Read More in Sport
      Rubiales said: ”I don’t think the marriage was a failure, we were very happy, but when you move on to another phase in your life, well you move on.”
      How many children do Maria and Luis have?
      Luis Rubiales shares three daughters with his ex-wife Maria.
      Maria and Luis are the parents of Lucia, Ana and Elena.
      In a Spanish TV interview with presenter Risto Mejide, Rubiales affectionately referred to his children saying: ”They are very strong, stronger than me.”
      Most read in Football
      Describing his eldest daughter Lucia, who is a History of Art student, the former Spanish official added: ”She’s a very sensitive person and has a strong compromise with herself and society.”
      Speaking of his second daughter Ana, Rubiales continued: ”The middle one is the one who is most like me, perhaps the most activist of the three.
      ”She’s also someone with an amazing intelligence.”
      Unlike their eldest children, little is known about the couple’s third daughter Elena.
      The former Spanish official also spoke of his daughters once more in September 2023 – as he formally announced his resignation from the Spanish FA and from his UEFA vice-presidency.
      Rubiales explained that he made the decision after speaking with his father and his daughters.
      He said: “They know it’s not a question about me.
      “Some friends very close to me said ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and continue your life – if not, you are probably going to damage people you love and the sport you love’.
      “This is more a question of not only me. In this situation now it is more intelligent and the thing I had to do.”
      Rubiales also spoke about his relationship with his daughters before making the bombshell announcement.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He said: “I love my daughters so much, and they love me so, so much.
      “I’m very proud of them. They are very close to me.” More

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      Ex-Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales to be hauled in front of judge in criminal probe over World Cup kiss with Jenni Hermoso

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      FORMER Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales has been called to testify in court following a criminal probe for suspected sexual assault and coercion.It comes after the disgraced football president, 46, sparked outrage when his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month and he kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
      It comes after Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso, 33, without her consent after the Spanish team won the Women’s World Cup
      Hermoso paved the way for Rubiales’ prosecution by admitting she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression”, after the kissCredit: Enterprise
      He is set to be questioned today at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid by judge Francisco de Jorge who is conducting the criminal probe.
      It emerged yesterday he had opened his investigation into the 46-year-old after a formal complaint was lodged by prosecutors.
      A spokesman for the court said the judge would be requesting footage of the kiss and other relevant videos as part of his probe.
      It comes after Hermoso, 33, paved the way for Rubiales’ prosecution by admitting she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression”, after the kiss.
      READ MORE ON RUBIALES
      The judge agreed to launch his investigation less than 24 hours after Rubiales sensationally quit as FA chief and UEFA vice-president following the scandal.
      Rubiales previously doubled down on the scandal, promising to “defend his innocence” after announcing his resignation on Sunday night.
      After news of his resignation broke, the disgraced football star tweeted: “I will defend my honour. I will defend my innocence.
      “I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth.
      Most read in Football
      “Thanks everyone.”
      A statement from Spain’s highest court previously said: “Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault.”
      Prosecutors also reportedly received complaints of “obscene exhibitionism before a minor” when Rubiales appeared to grab his crotch in the stands next to Spain’s Princess Infanta Sofía.
      He apologised to the Spanish royal family previously for the display, saying: “I apologise to the Queen and the Infanta for a very unedifying gesture. I do not justify myself: sorry.”
      But in the same breath, the deluded footballer claimed the kiss was “affectionate” and Hermoso had “consented”.
      Hermoso herself hit back the following day, denying the former FA chief’s claim that the kiss was consensual.
      In a revealing sit-down with Piers Morgan on TalkTV tonight, deluded Rubiales will sensationally compare his kiss with Hermoso to one he might give his daughters.
      He is set to double down on his position in the astonishing interview as he tells Piers: “My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual, 100%, I repeat, 100%.”
      “There was no harm, no sexual content, no aggression, nothing like that.
      “The significance of the kiss to Jenni would have been exactly the same as a kiss to one of my daughters.
      “Between friends and family, that’s very, very common.”
      The FA president will say that he understands he “should have acted in a more solemn, cold and diplomatic way”.
      Striker Hermoso lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office – setting the wheels in motion for the public ministry to present an official complaint against Rubiales.
      She described the kiss as “an impulsive, sexist act, out of place and without any type of consent on my part.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The football star has been lying low since the scandal, which caused a shockwave across the international football world, as numerous figures called for Rubiales’ resignation and Spanish prosecutors opened their criminal investigation.
      Rubiales will be questioned in private on Friday, as is normal in Spain where only trials take place in public. More

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      Finally disgraceful Luis Rubiales has resigned but he’s not a ‘good guy’ & it’s not up to him to decide if he assaulted

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      FINALLY, Luis Rubiales has jumped. He says he did it because he was becoming a distraction, when in actual fact he became a disgrace.
      Ulrika Jonsson shares her thoughts on Luis Rubiales resigning after he shockingly planted a kiss on Jenni HermosoCredit: Getty
      Most of us had worked that out nearly three weeks ago.
      It’s not that I’m all for sacking people with immediate effect as soon as there is a hint of wrongful behaviour.
      We all make mistakes.
      But Rubiales’ suggestion that he is innocent and “a good guy” just doesn’t cut it, I’m afraid.
      READ MORE ON THE CONTROVERSY
      Of course, he would say that now, wouldn’t he?
      The kiss he planted on Jenni Hermoso’s lips made me audibly wince at the time and sent a shiver down my spine.
      It’s one thing getting caught up in the euphoria of the moment but quite another to actually forcibly land a smacker right on someone’s mouth.
      It was such an invasion of personal space – the grabbing hold of her – just moments after he’d ­grabbed his crotch while sitting alongside the Queen of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter.
      Most read in Football
      What Rubiales has failed to comprehend throughout this drawn-out tale is that it is not for him to decide whether there was any aggression – sexual or otherwise – associated with his actions.
      That is the job of the person on the receiving end.
      Perpetrators do not have the right to say what is and isn’t acceptable.
      Of course, we know football has a problem with women and needs a culture change to get rid of the sexism and misogyny.
      It needs a root-and-branch overhaul.
      Rubiales going is merely a snip at a bough.
      Wrong, but keep it in perspective
      By Laura Dodsworth
      I SYMPATHISE with Jenni Hermoso.
      When I was 21 my first male boss pinned me to a wall at a work do and tried to stick his tongue in my mouth.
      In the words of Hermoso, I did not enjoy it.
      Rubiales’ behaviour was inappropriate, even if it was a genuine expression of Latin exuberance.
      With the cameras rolling and in the face of his high spirits, Hermoso might have felt she had to go along with a kiss she would not have ordinarily consented to.
      But to get some perspective, it was just a second or two, happening after a hug and before a slap on the back.
      Kissing is more typical in some countries (such as Spain) and it is also a jubilant response to success.
      Do you remember Maradona and team-mate Claudio Caniggia sharing a kiss after a goal?
      Gary Neville even gave Paul Scholes a smacker.
      None of these celebratory kisses caused a scandal.
      While they didn’t share the same power imbalance, they could have caused a backlash of a different sort. But they didn’t.
      Rubiales should have reflected more humbly on the impact of this kiss and given an unequivocal apology.
      Yet he steadfastly refused to resign.
      And instead of being seen as a football heroine, Hermoso has been cast as a victim.
      Read More on The Sun
      One problem with the #MeToo scandals in the US was grouping together too wide a spectrum of sexual misbehaviour.
      This kiss has launched Spain’s #MeToo moment, but it shouldn’t ignite a Spanish Inquisition. More

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      Deluded FA creep Luis Rubiales says he kissed Jenni Hermoso ‘like his daughter’ as he’s confronted by Piers Morgan

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales insists he is “a good guy” in a sensational 90-minute interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV.In a revealing sit-down with Piers, deluded Rubiales sensationally compares his kiss with Jenni Hermoso to one he might give his daughters.
      Disgraced FA chief Rubiales will give a revealing interview to Piers Morgan where he discusses the kiss row and insists he is “a good guy”Credit: Talk TV
      The disgraced football president sparked outrage when his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month and he kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consentCredit: Enterprise
      The tense sit down on TalkTV comes after Rubiales sensationally quit last night as FA chief and UEFA vice-presidentCredit: Talk TV
      The disgraced football president, 46, sparked outrage when his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month and he kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
      The row caused a shockwave across the international football world, as numerous figures called for his resignation and Spanish prosecutors opened a criminal investigation.

      Watch Piers Morgan Uncensored weekdays on Sky 522, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 or on Fox Nation in the US

      Rubiales will double down on his position as he tells Piers: “My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual, 100%, I repeat, 100%.”
      READ MORE ON RUBIALES
      “There was no harm, no sexual content, no aggression, nothing like that.
      “The significance of the kiss to Jenni would have been exactly the same as a kiss to one of my daughters.
      “Between friends and family, that’s very, very common.”
      While he admits in hindsight he would have done things differently, he still describes the kiss as “a very happy moment, a celebration, a euphoric moment”.
      Most read in Football
      The FA president will say that he understands he “should have acted in a more solemn, cold and diplomatic way”.
      Piers later confronts the disgraced football star with a statement from England’s Lionesses where they slam his behaviour as “abuse”.
      “Unacceptable actions allowed to happen by a sexist and patriarchal organisation. Abuse is abuse and we have all seen the truth.
      “The behaviour of those who think they are invincible must not be tolerated and people shouldn’t need convincing to take action against any form of harassment.
      “We all stand with you, Jenni Hermoso and all players of the Spanish team.”
      Rubiales again fights back, insisting that he displayed no aggression when he kissed Hermoso, 33.
      “Under no circumstance was there any aggression and under no circumstance was there any sexual content.
      “I want to say that, Piers, again, I made a mistake, I apologise, but let’s be clear, under no circumstance is this sexual aggression.”
      Piers clarified: “No abuse?”
      To which the shamed former pro will say: “Of course not. Of course not. It’s an effusive, happy moment.”
      As Piers presses Rubiales on the possibility of a criminal investigation, the former FA chief doubles down.
      “I have full faith that the truth will come out and everything will be fine. Take a look at my face, I am a good guy.”
      A statement from Spain’s highest court previously said: “Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault.”
      Prosecutors also reportedly received complaints of “obscene exhibitionism before a minor” when Rubiales appeared to grab his crotch in the stands next to Spain’s Princess Infanta Sofía.
      A Spanish judge has also since agreed to investigate Rubiales following the formal criminal complaint.
      When discussing his crotch-grab after the historic win, Rubiales will be far more apologetic.
      “For this I am truly ashamed… There are no excuses. In Spain, with guys as well as women, there’s an expression which would probably translate to something like, oh my genitals or something to that respect.
      “So, this vulgar expression, basically what it means is: bravo, well done. I apologise because it’s not the behaviour I should have had.”
      He apologised to the Spanish royal family previously for the display, saying: “I apologise to the Queen and the Infanta for a very unedifying gesture. I do not justify myself: sorry.”
      But in the same breath, the deluded footballer claimed the kiss was “affectionate” and Hermoso had “consented”.
      Hermoso herself hit back the following day, admitting she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression”.
      The tense sit down on TalkTV comes after Rubiales sensationally quit last night as FA chief and UEFA vice-president following the scandal.
      Despite previously insisting “I AM NOT RESIGNING”, following the kissgate row, the footballer admitted that he couldn’t continue.
      When pressed by Piers on whether he would step down, Rubiales admits: “I am going to – of course I cannot continue my work.”
      Rubiales explains that he came to the difficult decision after speaking with his father and his daughters.
      He says: “They know it’s not a question about me.
      “Some friends very close to me said ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and continue your life – if not, you are probably going to damage people you love and the sport you love’.
      Read More on The Sun
      “This is more a question of not only me. In this situation now it is more intelligent and the thing I had to do.”
      Rubiales was seen grabbing his crotch near Spain’s Queen and Princess Infanta Sofía after the final whistleCredit: Twitter/@PabloEchenique
      Rubiales’ formal resignation letter was published last night
      Hermoso admitted she “felt vulnerable and the victim of aggression” following the kissCredit: Rex More

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      Spain FA chief Luis Rubiales finally QUITS after kiss row and says he ‘can’t continue’ during Piers Morgan interview

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      SPANISH FA chief Luis Rubiales has finally quit after his kiss row – saying he “can’t continue” in an interview with Piers Morgan.Rubiales revealed is resigning following the scandal over him kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup Final.
      Luis Rubiales has resigned as Spanish FA bossCredit: Talk TV
      Rubiales caused a worldwide storm by kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the Women’s World Cup Final.Credit: Enterprise
      Rubiales revealed the bombshell news in an interview with Piers MorganCredit: Talk TV
      He formally announced his resignation from the Spanish FA and from his UEFA vice-presidency tonight after Piers tweeted a clip of his bombshell announcement.
      Asked by Piers whether he would resign in the interview, Rubiales said: “I am going to – of course I cannot continue my work.”
      Rubiales explained that he made the decision after speaking with his father and his daughters.
      He said: “They know it’s not a question about me.
      Read More Football
      “Some friends very close to me said ‘Luis, now you have to focus on your dignity and continue your life – if not, you are probably going to damage people you love and the sport you love’.
      “This is more a question of not only me. In this situation now it is more intelligent and the thing I had to do.”
      After news of his resignation broke, Rubiales tweeted: “I will defend my honour. I will defend my innocence.
      “I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth.
      Most read in Football
      “Thanks everyone.”
      Rubiales spoke about his relationship with his daughters before making the bombshell announcement.
      He said: “I love my daughters so much, and they love me so, so much.
      “I’m very proud of them. They are very close to me.”
      In his defiant resignation letter, Rubiales writes: “It is clear that I will not be able to return to my position.
      “I do not want Spanish football to be harmed by this entirely disproportionate campaign.”
      On Wednesday World Cup Champion Jenni Hermoso presented a complaint of sexual assault against Rubiales to the Spanish prosecutors office.
      The footballer has laid low after FA president Rubiales, 46, kissed her on the lips at last month’s final — sparking outrage.
      State prosecutors are now expected to ask a Spanish court to place the 46-year-old under criminal investigation in the next few days.
      It’s the first formal complaint from Hermoso, 33, following the non consensual kiss after Spain’s victory.
      She lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office – as the public ministry will present an official complaint soon against Rubiales soon.
      A judge at Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid will be tasked with conducting the probe and deciding whether Rubiales should face charges before inviting prosecutors to indict the suspended Spanish FA president.
      Read More on The Sun
      Watch the full interview on Talk TV’s Piers Morgan Uncensored on Tuesday at 8pm.
      Rubiales’ formal resignation letter was published tonight More

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      England’s Lionesses ‘could go on strike’ in bitter pay row after stars ask for £50,000 for reaching World Cup final

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses could go on strike amid a bitter pay row with the FA, according to reports.Players were understood to be seeking around £100,000 each in bonuses had they won the World Cup Down Under.
      England were beaten by Spain in the women’s World Cup finalCredit: Rex
      After losing 1-0 to Spain in the final, they were willing to accept half that amount.
      According to the Mail, players are set for “crunch talks” with FA chiefs next week.
      They claim that players are “aware” of their possible actions and could choose to press on with the “nuclear option” of ceasing all commercial work for the FA.
      It’s even claimed that they could refuse to play until a resolution is reached, although this option has “not yet been directly suggested”.
      Read More Football Stories
      England’s pay from the FA is currently negotiated before or after each tournament – although players want more “clarity” moving forward.
      This cash pot comes from prize money and commercial revenue received by the FA for the players’ performances.
      Prior to the women’s World Cup, the FA imposed commercial restrictions on their own players.
      This was because chiefs were concerned that individual player deals could upset their own.
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      The FA’s decision cost their players potentially huge sums in endorsements.
      At the time, captain Millie Bright wrote in a statement: “Last year we presented the FA with concerns relating to our bonus and commercial structures. The hope was that discussions would lead to a solution before the commencement of our World Cup.
      “We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved.
      “With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament.
      “We collectively feel a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game. And while our focus now switches fully to the tournament ahead, we believe every tackle, pass and goal will contribute to the work we are committed to doing off the pitch.
      “We look forward to playing for our country (at) this World Cup, with pride, passion and perseverance.”
      Players did earn cash sums from Fifa for their World Cup performances.
      England stars each received £153,000 from world football’s governing body.
      While victorious Spain players were paid £210k each.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Lionesses are back in action for the first time since their World Cup final heartache in 12 days time.
      Key talks will take place between players and FA chiefs ahead of the Nations League clash with Scotland on September 22.
      The Lionesses went all the way to the final Down UnderCredit: Getty More

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      Spain player Jenni Hermoso files criminal complaint against FA boss Luis Rubiales over World Cup kiss

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      WORLD Cup Champion Jenni Hermoso has presented a complaint of sexual assault against Luis Ruibiales to the Spanish prosecutors office.The footballer has laid low after FA president Luis Rubiales, 46, kissed her on the lips at last month’s final — sparking outrage.
      The kiss went viral after Spain’s victoryCredit: Enterprise
      State prosecutors are now expected to ask a Spanish court to place the 46-year-old under criminal investigation in the next few days.
      It’s the first formal complaint from Hermoso, 33, following the non consensual kiss after Spain’s victory.
      She lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office – as the public ministry will present an official complaint soon against Rubiales soon.
      A judge at Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid would be tasked with conducting the probe and decide whether Rubiales should face charges before inviting prosecutors to indict the suspended Spanish FA president.
      READ MORE IN SPORT
      Spain’s Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, tweeted shortly after the news broke: “Jenni Hermoso, you are not alone. There are millions of us with you.”
      It comes less than a day after Spanish football manager Vilda was sacked, after his entire coaching team resigned in protest over the kiss scandal.
      Vilda himself was not without controversy and was snubbed by his own players during the post-match celebrations after beating England.
      Vilda guided Spain to their first Women’s World Cup triumph last month, beating England in the final.
      Most read in Football
      He was also mired in controversy going into the tournament with a number of players refusing to play for the national team because of him.
      In a statement, it was explained that the decision was “one of the first renewal measures announced by (stand-in) president Pedro Rocha.”
      The lengthy statement went on to praise Vilda for his achievements in charge of the side, most notably their World Cup success.
      It read: “The RFEF would like to express its gratitude to Jorge Vilda for the services provided, for his professionalism and dedication during all these years, wishing him the best successes in the future.”
      One name has refused to step down – Luis Rubiales – who continues to deny any wrongdoing.
      The disgraced Spanish FA president has refused to resign over the incident, despite facing intense backlash.
      Last week, Rubiales, who may face prosecution, reportedly sent new footage — in which Spain’s Hermoso laughs and jokes about the incident — to football governing body Fifa.
      But one anti-domestic abuse campaigner said Rubiales was deluded if he thought it would exonerate him.
      Teresa Parker, who developed a campaign in football for Women’s Aid, said it was wrong to pressure Hermoso to change her story.
      She added: “If a woman says she didn’t consent, she didn’t consent, it is that straightforward.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Colleagues have joined her in refusing to play for their country until Rubiales is axed. More