Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, has declined to step down from his position despite controversy surrounding his behavior at the Women’s World Cup final.

After Spain’s 1-0 victory over England, Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips and made a crotch-grabbing gesture during celebrations. He addressed an extraordinary general assembly convened by the federation, stating that he would not resign and calling the situation a “social assassination.”

Rubiales apologized for the incidents and expressed his readiness to defend his ideals, asserting that he didn’t deserve the criticism he was facing. Despite calls for his resignation, Rubiales defended the kiss as a spontaneous, mutual, and consensual gesture, stating that he would fight against the backlash.

While some criticized his actions, including Spain’s Prime Minister and a union representing Hermoso, others, including Hermoso herself in a later statement, came to his defense.

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