Jenni Hermoso calls for Spanish FA president sanctions after 'unacceptable' kiss

Jenni Hermoso has called for action to be taken against Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales after being kissed on the lips in the aftermath of Spain's Women's World Cup final win over England.

Rubiales has issued a public apology and vowed to "learn from this" after a furious backlash against his actions at Stadium Australia.

Hermoso initially posted on social media in the immediate aftermath of the game that she "didn't like" the kiss and has now released a further statement calling for strong action to be taken against Rubiales for his "unacceptable" behaviour.

"My union FUTPRO, in coordination with my agency TMJ, are taking care of defending my interests and being the interlocutors on this matter," Hermoso said.

"We are working to ensure that acts such as those we have seen never go unpunished, that they are sanctioned and that the exemplary measures are adopted to protect women footballers from actions that we believe are unacceptable."

FIFPRO, the world players' union who represent over 65,000 players around the world, have publicly supported Hermoso's calls for action and have also called upon FIFA to investigate Rubiales.

"We reiterate that it was deeply lamentable that such a special moment for the players of the Spain national team taking place before a global television audience should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility," their statement read.

"Uninitiated and uninvited physical approaches towards players are not appropriate or acceptable in any context, and especially when they are put in a position of vulnerability by a person who holds a position of power over them in their workplace."

Hermoso has also received backing from USWNT star Megan Rapinoe, who retired from the international scene after playing 202 times for the Stars and Stripes across an illustrious 17-year period.

Speaking to The Atlantic magazine, Rapinoe said: "There was another picture that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation and in that man [Rubiales] at the final whistle, just grabbing his crotch.

"What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy."

Liga F, Spain's premier women's league, added Rubiales had caused an "international embarrassment for Spain, Spanish sport and for women's football in the world," before saying "...one of the biggest achievements in Spanish football history was sullied by the shameful behaviour of the highest representative of Spanish football."

FIFA and UEFA are yet to comment on the matter - Rubiales is an executive committee member and a vice-president for the latter.

READ MORE POST-TOURNAMENT REACTION TO THE 2023 WOMEN'S WORLD CUP