Controversial Lip Lock: Luis Rubiales' Apology Falls Short, Spain's Acting PM Weighs In
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales apologised for kissing World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso, acknowledging his mistake However, Spain's acting PM, Pedro Sanchez, deems the apologies inadequate, reflecting the polarised reaction in the country and football community
Spain's acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez criticized Luis Rubiales for kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the World Cup final trophy celebrations. Sanchez believes that Rubiales' apology as the president of the Spanish FA is insufficient. A video captured Rubiales embracing Hermoso as she approached the podium to receive her medal following Spain's 1-0 victory against England on Sunday.
Rubiales had initially dismissed those who had criticized his kiss as "idiots and stupid people." However, on Monday, he was compelled to apologize and acknowledged that he was entirely mistaken. Despite this, Sanchez remains unimpressed and asserted on Tuesday, "What we witnessed was an inappropriate gesture."
Rubiales' apologies are insufficient, and I believe they are inadequate. Further actions need to be taken by him to address the clear need for clarification regarding what we all witnessed.
Despite the players' relentless efforts for victory, Rubiales' conduct highlights the evident lack of progress in achieving true equality.
The kiss sparked a swift and widespread backlash both in Spain and internationally. Deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz accused Rubiales of harassing and assaulting a woman, leading her to demand his resignation. Additionally, the country's equality minister characterized the act as sexual assault.
Even the leading opposition party in Spain has condemned Rubiales' actions, leaving him abandoned by major public and political figures.
Shortly after Spain's triumph on Sunday, Rubiales made a victorious gesture by clutching his crotch, with 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia and Queen Letizia of Spain present nearby. When questioned about whether Rubiales should step down from his position, Sanchez stated that it was not within his authority to decide, as the Spanish FA is not under government control.
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Jennifer Hermoso, the highest goal scorer in Spain's history, revealed during an Instagram live video that she did not find pleasure in the incident. However, a statement was later issued on her behalf, defending Rubiales.
"It was a completely spontaneous mutual act, fueled by the immense joy that comes with winning a World Cup," it stated.
"The president and I share an excellent rapport; his conduct towards all of us has been commendable, making it a genuine display of affection and appreciation."
Rubiales, a former player, has been in charge of the Spanish FA since 2018 and is set to undergo re-election next year. Additionally, he holds the position of UEFA vice-president and was the highest-ranking elected representative of the European football organization at the World Cup final in Australia.
No statements have been made by either UEFA or FIFA regarding his actions throughout the final.
'Reaction in Spain has been polarised'
Spanish football expert Semra Hunter speaking to We News about the incident:"The response in Spain has been divided. Certain individuals downplayed the significance, arguing that both individuals were swept up in the heat of the moment and their actions were merely impulsive – they are advocating for his defense in a sense.
"But there are others who have questioned his actions, considering them highly inappropriate.
In an attempt to downplay the situation to the media, she claimed that they had a strong relationship, he had been supportive of the girls during the entire tournament, and his behavior had been exemplary. She insisted that there was nothing more to it.
However, her statement on social media expressed her dissatisfaction with the situation. It is unclear exactly how she truly feels about it. If she genuinely feels uncomfortable, we need to examine the larger issue at hand and understand why she is unable to openly voice her concerns.
"The responses expressed here have been diametrically opposed. On one hand, there are individuals who consider it inconsequential, while on the other hand, there are those who are utterly aghast by what transpired, demanding his immediate resignation as the president of the Spanish FA."
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Luis Rubiales has been in charge of the Spanish FA since 2018 and is also a UEFA vice-president
How Spain and football reacted
Expressing his views, Miquel Iceta, the acting minister for sports and culture in Spain, unequivocally stated that "kissing a player on the lips as a form of congratulations is completely unacceptable."How Spain and football reacted
The strong statement was further reinforced by Irene Montero, the Spanish government's equality minister."It is a daily occurrence of sexual violence against women, which has remained unseen till now, and should not be normalized," Ms. Montero stated on Sunday, via the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, X.
Meanwhile, the world players' union FIFPRO described the kiss as "highly regrettable."
FIFPRO expressed great disappointment that an individual with significant responsibility tainted a pivotal moment for the players of the Spain national team, which was being broadcasted to a worldwide audience. In a statement, they stated that any uninvited physical gestures towards players are unacceptable and inappropriate under any circumstances. This is particularly true when players are made vulnerable due to the power dynamics involved in such situations.
