“I will not resign, I will not resign, I will not resign,” he told those present as he defended the controversial kiss. “It was a spontaneous kiss, mutual and euphoric,” he said. “And, above all, consensual.” Mr Rubiales went further, accusing his critics of using “false feminism” to persecute him and claimed he was the victim of “a social assassination”.

And in a statement released on Friday through a players’ union, Futpro, Ms Hermoso rejected Mr Rubiales’ account of events. “At no time did I consent to the kiss,” the Spanish striker said. “I don’t tolerate my words being questioned.”

I’m glad he refuses to resign. Seeing him fired will be much more satisfying.