SPAIN: During Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory celebrations, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, uninvitedly kissed player Jenni Hermoso’s lips, causing uproar in Spain.
Rubiales later apologized and stated that he was wrong, but the incident was unintentional. He acknowledged his mistake in a video message.
As per the video footage uploaded on Instagram and YouTube by the newspaper El Mundo and other media sites, Hermoso told teammates in the locker room after the game that she “didn’t like it.”
Later, in a statement provided by the federation to the Spanish news agency EFE, Hermoso described it as a spontaneous mutual gesture motivated by the immense excitement of winning a World Cup.
Hermoso went on to say that the ‘presi’, and she has a great relationship, that his behaviour with the entire team has always been a 10 (out of 10) and that this was a natural expression of appreciation and gratitude.
In the post-game video clip, Rubiales may be seen hugging or kissing other players on the cheek as he distributes the medals.
A number of legal reforms pertaining to gender change, abortion, and sex work have been implemented by the socialist-led government, but a loophole in the law regarding sexual consent allowed rapists to avoid punishment, causing an electoral loss for Montero’s far-left Podemos party, which is a member of the government coalition, significantly in the July election.
Hermoso, a world champion, defended the gesture on COPE Radio, stating she wishes the controversy had involved someone else. However, government ministers and media critics criticized the gesture, with acting Culture and Sports Minister Miquel Iceta demanding an explanation and apology from Rubiales.
Irene Montero, the interim minister for gender equality, criticized non-consensual kisses as a form of sex violence that women suffer daily. Ione Belarra, the interim minister for social rights and Montero’s political party member, questioned “If they can do it in front of all of Spain, what will they do in private?”
Rubiales initially downplayed the outcry, labelling critics as “idiots.”
According to Radio Marca, Rubiales said that “The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere.” He stated that when two people share a moment of affection that means nothing else, one cannot listen to nonsense. He went on to say that the Spanish team is the champion, that’s all.
Later, Rubiales apologised to those who criticized him.
Also Read: Spain’s Journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final
