- Apology Over Kiss in Women’s World Cup Celebration
- Criticism and Controversy Surrounding Luis Rubiales
- Spain’s Victory Overshadowed by Post-Match Incident
Following criticism from the Spanish government, Mr. Rubiales admitted that he had “certainly made a mistake” during a “moment of maximum ebullience”; however, the controversy has overshadowed the team’s victory.
Spanish football’s president apologised for kissing a player on the lips after their Women’s World Cup win.
Jennifer Hermoso, who later stated that she “did not enjoy” Luis Rubiales’s behavior towards her, faced backlash.
The 45-year-old also grabbed his crotch as a victory sign, presumably unaware that Princess Infanta Sofia, age 16, stood nearby.
In response to criticism from the Spanish administration, Mr. Rubiales acknowledged that he had “certainly made a mistake” during a “moment of extreme exuberance.”
In a video released on Monday, he stated, “We viewed it as normal, natural, and in no way malicious.” However, it appears that an uproar has been created outside.
“Being president of an institution as significant as the federation requires greater caution.”
The controversy has cast a shadow over Spain’s 1-0 victory against England.
Irene Montero, the minister of equality, wrote on social media, “It is a form of sexual violence that women experience daily, which has been invisible until now, and which we must not normalize.”
In a post-incident Instagram video captured in the locker room, players can be seen screaming and laughing as the kiss is replayed on a phone, with Hermoso exclaiming, “But I didn’t like it!”
Later that evening, the country’s all-time leading scorer told the AFP news agency, “It was a completely spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense pleasure a World Cup victory brings.
The president and I have a wonderful relationship, and his conduct with all of us has been exemplary. So it was a natural expression of affection and appreciation.”
Hermoso started the World Cup final in Sydney against England, but Lioness custodian Mary Earps saved her penalty.
Olga Carmona’s first-half goal gave Spain their first Women’s World Cup win over England, sending them to Madrid.
The Lionesses have also begun their voyage back to London, with online footage showing the team being greeted at the airport as they board their plane.
