Spain's acting prime minister criticizes federation head for kissing player

Spain's acting prime minister said it was "unacceptable" that the Spanish soccer federation president kissed a player on the lips without her consent, as pressure builds on Luis Rubiales to resign for tarnishing the team's Women's World Cup championship.

Pedro Sanchez praised the team during an audience at the presidential palace on Tuesday and later joined the growing criticism of Rubiales.

"What we saw is unacceptable," Sanchez said. "And the apologies offered by Mr. Rubiales are not sufficient, I would call them inappropriate, so he must continue taking further steps to clarify what we all saw."

Late Tuesday, the Spanish soccer federation announced it will hold an emergency meeting of its general assembly on Friday. It is unclear if Rubiales can maintain the backing of the leaders of Spain's regional soccer organizations.

Jenni Hermoso said “she didn’t enjoy” being kissed by Spanish football president Luis Rubiales who has now apologised to any “people who felt hurt”<br> <a href="https://t.co/ZaqZhuQtIO">pic.twitter.com/ZaqZhuQtIO</a>

The federation said it was opening an internal probe "regarding the incidents during the awards ceremony Women's World Cup."

Gender equality and women's rights have been cornerstones of Sanchez's leftist government. But Spain's Women's World Cup success has been marred by the forced kiss Rubiales gave to player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain's 1-0 victory on Sunday in the final against England in Sydney, Australia.

After claiming that those who criticized his kiss were "idiots and stupid people," Rubiales was forced to apologize on Monday.

The forced kiss caused an immediate outcry both inside Spain and abroad. Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz said Rubiales