![](\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2023\/08\/28\/22\/Spain_Soccer_Rubiales_36635.jpg\")
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In his statement, he said: \u201cI made some obvious mistakes, which I sincerely regret from the bottom of my heart. I\u2019ve learned that no matter how great the joy and how deep the emotion, even when you win a World Cup, sports leaders should be held to exemplary behaviour, and mine was not so.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm. At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both.<\/p>\n
\u201cI repeat: with the consent of both parties, both in the affectionate hugs, as well as in the peak and subsequent farewell full of affectionate mutual gestures, that occurred during the medal presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have also felt the growing support of people on the street and on social media. I will continue to defend myself to prove the truth.<\/p>\n
\u201cI still have confidence in the independence of the bodies where this matter should be resolved, despite the political pressure and the interest-driven brutality of certain media outlets.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough information about this matter is being subjected to numerous manipulations, lies, and censorship, the truth has only one path, and that\u2019s why I repeat, I trust that justice will be served.\u201d<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2023\/08\/21\/16\/Jenni%20Hermoso%20kiss.png\")
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Rubiales\u2019 kiss of Hermoso overshadowed Spain\u2019s World Cup win <\/p>\n
Spanish prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault, while the Spanish FA\u2019s regional leaders called for his resignation.<\/p>\n
On Friday, the head of Spain\u2019s Olympic Committee said Rubiales\u2019 actions were \u201cinappropriate and unacceptable\u201d but an \u201cisolated incident\u201d that did not represent Spanish sport as a whole.<\/p>\n
Coach of the Spanish men\u2019s national football team, Luis de la Fuente, has now apologised for applauding Rubiales during the speech in which he refused to resign. De la Fuente was sitting in the front row and vigorously clapped when he attacked \u201cfalse feminism\u201d.<\/p>\n
He has now described a \u201csituation that overwhelmed many of us for which I was not prepared for\u201d and stated that he expects Rubiales to resign.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to take this moment and my place as national men\u2019s coach to explain the situation,\u201d said De la Fuente. \u201cI have received harsh criticism for it. Do you know what I think of the criticisms? They are entirely deserved, that I am sorry, that I understand them and ask forgiveness for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rubiales made a statement last week admitted to \u201cmistakes\u201d but continuing to defend kissing Hermoso, which she has said was not consensual.<\/p>\n
\u201cI made some obvious mistakes, which I sincerely regret from the bottom of my heart. I\u2019ve learned that no matter how great the joy and how deep the emotion, even when you win a World Cup, sports leaders should be held to exemplary behaviour, and mine was not so.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm. At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both.<\/p>\n
\u201cI repeat: with the consent of both parties, both in the affectionate hugs, as well as in the peak and subsequent farewell full of affectionate mutual gestures, that occurred during the medal presentation.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2023\/09\/05\/15\/rubiales%20kiss%20splash-1.jpg\")
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\n![](\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2023\/09\/01\/07\/zesl1lEq-720.jpg\")
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\u201cI have also felt the growing support of people on the street and on social media. I will continue to defend myself to prove the truth. I still have confidence in the independence of the bodies where this matter should be resolved, despite the political pressure and the interest-driven brutality of certain media outlets.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough information about this matter is being subjected to numerous manipulations, lies, and censorship, the truth has only one path, and that\u2019s why I repeat, I trust that justice will be served.\u201d<\/p>\n