Spain pardons 9 Catalan separatist leaders

An ally of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been elected parliamentary speaker, boosting his efforts to form another government. The speaker's appointment was secured thanks to support from Catalan separatists.

Jennifer Hermoso said she “did not enjoy” the kiss that was planted on her by president of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales. The incident, which many deemed inappropriate, occurred after Spain beat England 1-0 to win their first ever World Cup.

Spain are world champions after a 1-0 win over England in Sydney. Olga Carmona scored the final’s only goal – but Spain’s triumph is built on midfield dominance, led by the inspirational Aitana Bonmati.

July's general election produced a hung parliament in which no clear ruling majority has been formed. The king now decides who will go on to form a new government.

The Senegalese village of Fass Boye is mourning over 60 people who died on their migration journey to the Canary Islands. Over 100 young men left aboard a fishing boat on July 10. However, less than half survived after their boat capsized. On Sunday, the village organized a prayer in memory of the deceased. Hundreds gathered in sadness, but many young still feel like they have no future at home.

The president of the Spanish Soccer Federation, Luis Rubiales, has said he will not resign after kissing a player on the lips after the Women's World Cup Final.

Conservative leader Nunez Feijoo had asked the Socialist Sanchez to back his government formation for two years. Spain faces the threat of remaining in political deadlock, since the July general election.

Nearly two weeks after Spain's soccer boss forcibly kissed World Cup star Jenni Hermoso on the lips during a globally televised event, he has refused to step down. The Spanish government is now upping the pressure.

The Spanish men's soccer team on Monday criticised the country's football chief Luis Rubiales for his “unacceptable behaviour” towards women's player Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales forcibly kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the Women's World Cup two weeks ago.

The future of the Spanish FA boss hangs in the balance. But for women’s football, the backlash against Luis Rubiales and the stunning World Cup win could pave a path to a brighter future.

In October 2017, the Catalan regional government called a referendum on an independent Catalonia. Spanish authorities deployed police in a bid to stop the vote. In the end, the result was unrepresentative, and Catalan politicians and activists were tried in court or fled abroad.

Spanish suspended football federation chief Luis Rubiales could face a sexual assault charge, after player Jenni Hermoso filed a criminal complaint over the unsolicited kiss he gave her at the Women's World Cup final.