Embattled Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has faced accusations from the federation that World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso lied about not consenting to being kissed by him. The federation has threatened legal action to defend Rubiales, despite mounting pressure for him to resign from within Spanish football and the government. Hermoso and her teammates have vowed not to play for their country again after Rubiales went on the attack against his accusers in a speech at a federation assembly. The federation released a statement with images claiming to show Hermoso encouraging being lifted by Rubiales, stating that “Mr President’s feet are ostensibly lifted from the ground as a result of the player’s action”. The statement also threatened legal action against anyone spreading lies about Rubiales. FIFA has initiated a case against Rubiales, but UEFA, for which he is a vice president, has yet to comment. The Spanish government has started legal action to suspend Rubiales, and the head of Spain’s women’s football committee has resigned. Rubiales has refused to resign, claiming that the kiss was “mutual” and “with consent”. The controversy has overshadowed Spain’s victory in the World Cup final.