The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has called an extraordinary assembly for Friday.

It has also started an internal investigation into events during the award ceremony after its team had won the Women’s World Cup.

A statement late Thursday said: “The Royal Spanish Football Federation is urgently convening an Extraordinary General Assembly for August 25, starting at noon.

“In addition and based on the latest events that took place during the award ceremony of the Women’s World Cup won by the Spanish National Team last Sunday in Sydney.

“The federation wishes to inform that the internal proceedings of the federation regarding Integrity issues are open, as well as the rest of the applicable protocols.”

The news came after RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed Spain player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the victory ceremony in Sydney, where Spain won the trophy for the first time 1-0 over England.

The incident caused a storm. Rubiales later apologised, but Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that was not good enough.

“What we saw was an unacceptable gesture, but Rubiales’ apologies are also not enough and are not even adequate,” the Spanish prime minister said.

There have been many calls for Rubiales to step down, but Spanish news reports Wednesday said that would likely not happen as delegates were expected to rally behind him.

Hermoso said on a social media post that she “didn’t like” the kiss before defending Rubiales in a statement issued later.

She also said they had a good relationship and that the incident was a “totally spontaneous mutual gesture” in celebration of the title. 

(dpa/NAN)