August 22 – The head of Spanish football Luis Rubiales has apologised following his unsolicited kiss on the mouth of player Jennifer Hermoso’s lips during the post-match formalities of the Women’s World Cup final. Spain’s second deputy prime minister had called for his resignation.
Rubiales had planted a kiss on Hermoso’s lips during the medal ceremony after Spain won their maiden Women’s World Cup, defeating European champions England 1-0 with a 29th-minute strike by Olga Carmona.
Hermoso initially said that she “didn’t like it” before stating in a RFEF communication that it was a gesture of “affection”. However Rubiales has now acknowledged his mistake.
“Surely I was wrong, I have to admit,” said Rubiales in a video statement issued by the federation. “It was without bad faith at a time of maximum effusiveness.”
Post-match footage also showed Rubiales embracing and kissing other players. “It was done without any ill intention in a moment of the highest exuberance,” said Rubiales.
“Here we saw it as natural and normal but outside it has caused a commotion. I have no choice but to apologise and to learn from this… and when representing the federation take more care.”
Acting Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz, called for Rubiales’ resignation, arguing that “without any doubt (he) attacked a woman.” She added that “his excuses do not work at all”.
Initially, Rubiales had downplayed the whole incident, calling his critics “idiots”. The kiss came at the end of a tumultuous but successful campaign for Spain. Players rebelled before the finals, but following a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Japan in the first round they regrouped and won the biggest prize in the game.
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