New photo shows Luis Rubiales lifting World Cup star Athenea del Castillo on his shoulders as the Spanish FA chief faces calls to resign over kiss-gate scandal

2023-08-23 568

Luis Rubiales faces mounting pressure after photos emerged of the Spanish FA president lifting Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during their Women's World Cup celebrations.

Rubiales is at the center of the World Cup 'kiss-gate' scandal after kissing Spanish women's player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth without consent after Spain beat England 1-0 in the World Cup final on Sunday.

He has refused to resign despite being hit with a sexual assault probe as one football chief launched a criminal complaint in the wake of his actions towards Hermoso.

He eventually apologized but Hermoso rejected the chance to appear in his apology video despite his begging "My position is at stake, do it for my daughters".

Spanish outlet El Confidencial has reported that Rubiales is also facing accusations that he took a Mexican woman on a six-day work-funded holiday to New York.

He is also alleged to have harassed and humiliated a female colleague, who claimed he asked her about the color of her underwear and about wearing 'knee pads' in meetings when they worked together.

Pressure continues to mount on Rubiales after further photos emerged from Spain's celebrations following the final whistle in the final in Sydney.

The Spanish FA chief was seen lifting and carrying the Real Madrid winger over his shoulders, increasing scrutiny over his attitude to the women's national team stars.

The Spanish FA has confirmed it will hold an Extraordinary General Assembly on Friday at their headquarters.

The organization has added that internal proceedings are underway over the controversy following the World Cup final ceremony.

Attacking midfielder Hermoso, who plays for CF Pachuca, admitted she 'didn't like' it when Rubiales grabbed her and held her in a tight embrace before kissing her on the lips on the celebratory podium.

Rubiales also grabbed his crotch in what was described by USA legend Megan Rapinoe as a 'signal of a deep level of misogyny and sexism', who insisted his kiss was 'physical assault'.

Spanish football chief Miguel Ángel Galán has filed a complaint to the Prosecutor's Office in Madrid and the State Attorney General's Office alleging Rubiales' actions constituted sexual assault.