Spanish football federation apologises for 'huge damage' caused by its president
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has apologised for the "enormous damage" caused by the actions of its suspended president Luis Rubiales.
The 46-year-old has been provisionally barred from all football activity for an initial 90 days by FIFA while it investigates his conduct at last month's Women's World Cup final in Sydney.
Rubiales kissed Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation, something Hermoso has said she did not consent to. However, Rubiales has refused to resign over the matter.
Now, the acting president of the Spanish federation, Pedro Rocha, has written a letter distancing the organisation from Rubiales' actions, saying he is "ashamed" by them.
"The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values of football and sport as a whole have been enormous," Rocha's letter said.
"Mr Rubiales' actions do not represent the values defended by the Spanish federation, nor the values of Spanish society as a whole.
"His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the one solely responsible for those actions before society, before the sports governing bodies and, if applicable, before justice.
"To be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We feel especially sorry and ashamed for the pain and additional distress this has caused."
Spain men's team captain Alvaro Morata has criticised Rubiales for his "unacceptable behaviour" following Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup 16 days ago.
On Monday, the Spanish men's team called an impromptu press conference where Morata read a statement on behalf of the squad alongside fellow senior captains Marco Asensio, Cesar Azpilicueta and Rodri which was also released
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