The president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, has come under fire from United States winger Megan Rapinoe for 'physically assaulting' Jenni Hermoso at the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Following Spain's 1-0 victory over England in the Women's World Cup final a few days ago, Rubiales was seen grabbing Hermoso and kissing the striker on the lips.

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the incident "unacceptable" and criticized Rubiales' actions, which have drawn widespread condemnation.

After Hermoso came forward and admitted that she "did not like" the kiss, he later expressed regret for his behavior.

However, Rapinoe, who helped her country win back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019, has now offered her views on the development.

“It made me think about how much we are required to endure,” Rapinoe told American outlet The Atlantic.

“Think how much that Spanish team had to shoulder: Some of the players who stood up way back last year [to protest poor treatment by their coach and federation] still are not on the team.

“Maybe that was something that galvanized them, but you should not have to have that.

“There was another picture that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation and in that man [Rubiales] at the final whistle, just grabbing his crotch.

“What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni [Hermoso] has to be physically assaulted by this guy.”