The regional leaders of the Spanish Football Federation demanded that their president, Luis Rubiales, resign immediately after he accepted player Gini Hermoso.
Rubiales, 46, came under widespread criticism after the incident that followed Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final.
Hermoso, 33, said the kiss on her lips was not consensual.
Earlier, the Spanish prosecution opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounted to a crime of sexual assault.
More to track.
How did the situation come to this point?
Aug 20 – During the party after the World Cup final, Luis Rubiales first hugged Spain striker Gini Hermoso and then kissed him on the lips.
Hermoso later responded to the kiss during the live broadcast and said she “didn’t enjoy it”.
Aug 21 Rubiales issued an apology saying he was “sorry to those who were offended” after being heavily criticized by other footballers, the media and even the Spanish prime minister, some of whom called for him to step down.
Aug 24 – FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings to examine Rubiales’ actions.
Aug 25th Defiant Rubiales insisted at an emergency meeting of the Spanish Football Federation that he would not resign, describing the kiss as “consensual”.
Aug 25th The Spanish government said it had launched legal proceedings seeking to stop Rubiales, with Spain’s sports minister saying he “wants this to be a MeToo moment for Spanish football”.
Aug 25th Later that day, Hermoso released a statement on Instagram denying Rubiales’ claims, saying, “At no time was his kiss consensual at all.”
Aug 25th 81 Spanish players – including all 23 players who participated in the Women’s World Cup – have announced that they will not play for the Spain women’s national team until Rubiales is sacked.
26 Aug The Spanish Football Federation said it would take legal action over “every lie that is published”.
26 Aug FIFA announces the provisional suspension of Rubiales, pending the results of the disciplinary procedures.
26 Aug World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda slams Rubiales, while his entire coaching staff resigns in protest against the federation’s president.
Aug 27 – The union delegate for the sexual violence protocol confirms the opening of an internal investigation into the events.
Aug 28 Rubiales’ mother is on hunger strike at a church in his hometown of Motril.
Aug 28 The Spanish Public Prosecutor opens a preliminary investigation to see if the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault.