Spanish football chief Rubiales under pressure to resign after World Cup final antics

The Spanish government has cranked up the pressure on under-fire Luis Rubiales after his "unacceptable" behaviour in the aftermath of Sunday's Women's World Cup final.

Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, has apologised for kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation, while he was also pictured grabbing his crotch in celebration of the 1-0 win over England at Stadium Australia.

Rubiales initially defended his position before backing down and admitting he was “completely wrong”. That has done little to assuage his critics, however, with Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez particularly scathing in his assessment of the 46-year-old.

The federation has called an emergency meeting for Friday and opened an internal investigation.

But Victor Francos, Spain's secretary of sport and president of the country's sports council, the CSD, said they would take action if the federation did not.

"I imagine that what the responsible people will do is talk to the two parties involved and issue a report," Francos told radio station Cadena Ser.

"I have personally told the federation this report has to be transparent and urgent because, if it is not, we are obliged to take the corresponding additional measures."

Prime minister Sanchez had earlier said the incident had highlighted "that in our country [there is a] long way to go in terms of equality and respect between women and men".

That was a view shared by many in Spain and beyond with several of the country's clubs speaking out on the matter.

The World Cup final of Luis #Rubiales in pictures pic.twitter.com/LT2oxu2adu

"What Rubiales has to do is resign, his behaviour has been deplorable," said Getafe's president Angel Torres on