Spain’s monumental victory in the Women’s World Cup
has been soured by the actions of Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish
football association, during the trophy presentation right after the final. Here’s
what happened:

20 Aug – During the ceremony following the World Cup final, Spanish midfielder
Jenni Hermoso was first embraced and then kissed on the lips by Luis
Rubiales

Hermoso later reacted to the kiss during a live stream, and said
she “did not enjoy” it

21 Aug – Rubiales issued an apology saying he was “sorry for those who were
offended” after being fiercely criticised by other footballers, the media and
even by the Spanish prime minister, some of whom called on him to step
down

24 Aug – Football’s governing body Fifa began a disciplinary inquiry into
Rubiales’ actions

25 Aug – A defiant Rubiales insisted at a Spanish football association meeting
that he would not resign, and called the kiss “consensual”

25 Aug – Later that day, Hermoso released a statement
on Instagram refuting Rubiales’ claims saying that “at no time…was his kiss
ever consensual”

25 Aug – 81 Spanish players – including all 23 players who went to the Women’s
World Cup – have said they will not play for Spain’s women’s team until
Rubiales is removed from his position

26 Aug – The Spanish football federation has threatened to take legal action against Hermoso over her “lies” about the kiss