Spain men’s national team denounce Rubiales over World Cup kiss

The Spanish men's national team condemned the "unacceptable behavior" of banned football president Luis Rubiales after his infamous World Cup kiss on Monday.

Rubiales, 46, defied expectations by refusing to retire as head of the Spanish football federation after forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's World Cup victory.

Alvaro Morata, the attacker for Atletico Madrid, read a statement on behalf of the entire club applauding their female colleagues on "a historic" victory.

He stated that at the prize-giving event on August 20 in Sydney, the men's squad "expressed their solidarity with the women players and deplored that their success had been tarnished" by Rubiales.

"We want to denounce the unacceptable behavior of Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents," Morata continued.

"We are unwaveringly committed to the values enshrined in sport."

"Spanish football should be a source of respect, inspiration, inclusivity, and diversity, and it should set a good example both on and off the field."

Hermoso has joined a women's strike, claiming she did not consent to the kiss.

Futpro, Hermoso, and 80 other female players have stated that they will not accept an international call-up "if the current leadership continues" at the RFEF.

Rubiales has refused to resign from his position "because of a little consensual kiss," generating significant outrage.

FIFA, the world's governing body of football, has suspended him for 90 days and initiated a disciplinary investigation into his actions.

Rubiales is also being investigated by Spain's sports court.