Spain chief Rubiales to quit over Hermoso kiss scandal - sources - ESPN

Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales plans to resign on Friday after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against him over his unsolicited kiss of player Jenni Hermoso, sources have confirmed to ESPN's Rodrigo Faez.

Rubiales' position had grown increasingly untenable since his behaviour after Spain won the World Cup by beating England in the final in Sydney last Sunday.

The kiss forced on the lips of Hermoso has garnered most of the headlines, but he was also seen effusively hugging and kissing other Spain players on the cheek.

Prior to that, immediately after Spain's victory, he had also grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture with 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain standing nearby.

Rubiales' immediate response was to label those criticising his behaviour as «idiots,» although as the backlash grew, he later published an apology.

The incident sparked outrage within and outside Spain, with many, including government ministers, demanding his resignation.

Spain's acting prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, said that apology was «insufficient and inadequate» as the pressure began to mount on Rubiales to step down from his role. Meanwhile, acting second deputy prime minister, Yolanda Diaz, called for Rubiales to «resign» from his post following his actions.

High-ranking figures across government and Spanish sport expressed similar opinions. Irene Montero, the minister for equality, described it as a «form of sexual violence,» with clubs also weighing in on the situation.

Pressure continued to mount during the week after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales and Hermoso in a joint statement with her union said that such acts "should never go unpunished."

Lower-league