Spanish World Cup squad resigns in protest over Rubiales

Dozens of members of the Spanish Women's national team they would not play any matches for the country until soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales has been removed from his job in a scandal over kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's World Cup victory.

Rubiales refused to quit earlier on Friday, fuelling anger among players and government ministers who decried his actions as unacceptable misogynist behaviour.

A total of 56 players, including Hermoso and all of the cup-winning 23-strong side, signed a joint statement sent via their FUTPRO union demanding the removal of the federation leadership.

Rubiales provoked outrage by grabbing Hermoso and kissing her during the medal ceremony after Spain beat England 1-0 to triumph in the final in Sydney on Sunday.

Earlier in the day Spain striker Borja Iglesias announced he had quit the national team in the aftermath of the controversy.

"As a player and as a person I do not feel represented by what happened," Real Betis forward Iglesias posted on social network X.

"Wearing the Spain shirt is one of the best things that has happened to me in my career.

"I don't know if in another moment I will be available again, but I have taken the decision not to return to the national team until things change, and these type of acts don't go unpunished.

He added he was acting "for a more just, human and decent football".

Football's world governing body FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Rubiales on Thursday over his conduct, but he told an extraordinary general assembly of Spain’s football federation, the RFEF, on Friday, that he would not step down.

"I will not resign," he said multiple times.

"I apologise for my mistakes. I’m going to continue fighting as my parents and my