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Spain international Borja Iglesias\u00a0has ruled out the possibility of representing his country again while Luis Rubiales remains in his current position. <\/p>\n
The Spanish media had widely reported on Thursday evening that Rubiales was about to stand down at an extraordinary general assembly of the Spanish federation (RFEF) on Friday.<\/p>\n
FIFA had opened disciplinary proceedings against him on Thursday, after he grabbed his crotch in celebration of Spain\u2019s victory over England despite being just metres away from Spain\u2019s Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter in the stadium VIP area.<\/p>\n
He then kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips at the medal and trophy presentation, something she later admitted on social media she \u2018didn\u2019t like it\u2019.\u2019<\/p>\n
Rubiales apologised for his behaviour in the VIP area, but insisted in his speech on Friday that the Hermoso kiss was \u2018spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual\u2019.<\/p>\n
He said he had been the target of a \u2018social assassination\u2019 and repeatedly and emphatically stated \u2018I will not resign\u2019, words which drew applause from the gathered delegates.<\/p>\n
Rubiales\u2019 defiant stance prompted fresh calls for the Spanish government to take action, while world players\u2019 union FIFPRO said UEFA \u2013 for whom Rubiales is an executive committee member and vice-president \u2013 must open disciplinary proceedings.<\/p>\n
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And his position now looks increasingly untenable with Real Betis star Borja, capped twice in the last 12 months, refusing to play for La Roja until the matter is resolved.<\/p>\n
He wrote on Twitter: \u2018I am sad and disappointed.<\/p>\n
\u2018As a footballer and as a person I don\u2019t feel represented by what happened today in the Ciudad del F\u00fatbol de Las Rozas. I find it unfortunate that they continue to press and focus on a colleague.<\/p>\n
\u2018Wearing the Spanish National Team shirt is one of the greatest things that has happened to me in my career. I don\u2019t know if at some point I will be an option again, but I have made the decision not to return to the National Team until things change and this type of act does not go unpunished.\u2019<\/p>\n
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But perhaps the most damning response of all came from Barcelona star Alex Alexia Putellas, who posted on Twitter: \u2018This is unacceptable. It\u2019s over. With you my team-mate @Jennihermoso.\u2019<\/p>\n
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was asked whether the controversy over Rubiales had overshadowed Spain\u2019s World Cup success.<\/p>\n
\u2018Hopefully it doesn\u2019t because I\u2019m extremely proud of what they (the players) have done,\u2019 he said at a press conference on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u2018The whole country is, but I don\u2019t have the full details so I cannot comment on what happened today. But it is sad that this is happening while everyone should be celebrating and be extremely proud of what they\u2019ve done.\u2019<\/p>\n
Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique, who coached Spain\u2019s men\u2019s team at last year\u2019s World Cup in Qatar, said Rubiales\u2019 work as FA president had been \u2018exceptional\u2019, adding: \u2018The statistics are there to see so he has done brilliantly.<\/p>\n
\u2018As for what happened in the last game, the president has admitted his mistake so I don\u2019t have to offer my opinion.\u2019<\/p>\n