Mother Of Luis Rubiales On Hunger Strike Over "Inhuman Hunt" Against RFEF President

The mother of Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has gone on hunger strike.

Angeles Bejar has locked herself in a church in Motril in southern Spain and has vowed to continue her strike "day and night" due to what she describes as an "inhuman hunt" against her son.

Rubiales has faced widespread criticism following his behavior after Sunday's FIFA Women's World Cup final.

He was pictured grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain's 1-0 win over England in Stadium Australia's VIP area, where he had been sat next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter.

Rubiales, who was part of the medal presentation party, later kissed Spain player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips.

Hermoso said that Rubiales kissed her "without any consent" and that she "didn't like it".

RFEF president Luis Rubiales pictured hugging Jennifer Hermoso before he kissed her on the lips following the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup final

IMAGO/Sports Press Photo/Noe Llamas

Rubiales is also accused of putting Hermoso "under continuous pressure to make a statement" justifying his actions.

An RFEF statement published shortly after Sunday's game included quotes attributed to Hermoso which described the kiss as a "totally spontaneous mutual gesture". However, Hermoso has since suggested that these words did not come from her.

Eighty-one players - including every member of the squad that won the 2023 Women's World Cup - have said that they will not represent their country again while Rubiales remains in charge of the RFEF.

Meanwhile, the entire coaching staff from the women's national team apart from manager Jorge Vilda have resigned after expressing "their firm and resounding condemnation of the conduct shown by the RFEF president".

Spain's entire coaching staff from the Women's World Cup have quit apart from manager Jorge Vilda (center)

IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Julieta Ferrario

Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA, while the Spanish government have urged the RFEF to follow suit.

But as of Monday morning Rubiales was still clinging to his job.

Spanish media have gathered outside of the church where Rubiales' mum is protesting.

Rubiales' cousin Vanessa Ruiz, who has been acting as a family spokesperson in Motril, said on Monday: "We are suffering a lot for him. He has been judged before his time.

"[The media] don't stop harassing us. We had to leave our house. We want them to leave us alone and for Jenni to tell the truth. It's not fair."

Rubiales' mother has locked herself inside the Divina Pastora church in Motril where she claims to be on hunger strike

Hablando Claro/RTVE