Luis Rubiales' Controversial Apology: The Intense Backlash on World Cup Winner Jennifer Hermoso's Kiss
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales is under fire for kissing World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso, sparking polarized reactions in Spain Rubiales has apologized and admitted his mistake, but acting PM Pedro Sanchez deems the apologies inadequate and calls for further action
Spain's acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez has criticized Luis Rubiales for kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the World Cup final trophy celebrations. He believes that the apology from the Spanish FA president is insufficient.
Rubiales initially dismissed the criticism of his kiss, branding his detractors as "idiots and stupid people." However, he was compelled to issue an apology on Monday, acknowledging his error. Despite this, Sanchez remains unimpressed and described the gesture as unacceptable during his statement on Tuesday.
Rubiales' apologies are insufficient; in fact, I believe they are inadequate. He must take further action to address the incident and provide clarity regarding what we all witnessed.
The players exerted maximum effort to secure victory; however, Rubiales' conduct highlights the substantial progress that still needs to be made towards achieving equality.
The kiss provoked an immediate outcry in Spain and internationally. Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz accused Rubiales of harassment and assault and demanded his resignation, while the country's equality minister characterized it as an instance of sexual assault. Spain's primary opposition party also condemned Rubiales' actions, resulting in him losing support from prominent public and political figures.
Right after Spain's victory on Sunday, Rubiales made a victory gesture by grabbing his crotch. This happened in the presence of Princess Infanta Sofia, who is 16 years old, and Queen Letizia of Spain. When questioned about whether Rubiales should step down from his position, Sanchez stated that it was not within his authority to make that decision as the Spanish FA operates independently from the government.
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Jennifer Hermoso, Spain's all-time leading goal scorer, expressed her lack of enjoyment when questioned about the incident during an Instagram live video. However, a statement issued on her behalf later defended Rubiales.
"The act was completely spontaneous, borne out of the immense joy that comes with winning a World Cup," the statement read.
"The president and I share a strong bond, and his conduct towards all of us has been exceptional. This gesture of affection and gratitude was simply a natural response."
Rubiales, a former player, has been in charge of the Spanish FA since 2018 and is set to face re-election next year. In addition, he also holds the position of UEFA vice-president and served as the highest-ranking elected representative of the European football governing body at the World Cup final in Australia.
There has been no official statement from either UEFA or FIFA regarding his behavior during the final match.
'Reaction in Spain has been polarised'
Spanish football expert Semra Hunter speaking to We News about the incident:"Opinions in Spain have been divided over the incident. Certain individuals believe that it was not a significant matter, asserting that both parties were caught up in the heat of the moment and reacted spontaneously - they are standing up for him to a certain extent.
"But there are others who have raised concerns about his actions, questioning his motives and deeming them highly inappropriate.
"She attempted to minimize the situation when speaking to the media, emphasizing their strong bond, his continuous support for the girls throughout the tournament, and his overall good behavior, suggesting that there is nothing further to discuss.
However, her statement on social media contradicts her true feelings towards it. It appears that her stance regarding the matter is ambiguous and we are uncertain of her genuine opinion.
If her discomfort is genuine, then we must address the larger issue at hand - the underlying reasons preventing her from voicing her true thoughts openly and honestly.
The responses have starkly differed, with some downplaying its significance and others expressing utter shock at the distressing sight, vehemently urging for his 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
In Spain, public broadcaster RNE was informed by acting minister for sports and culture, Miquel Iceta, that "it is deemed inappropriate to kiss a player on the lips as a means of congratulation".A more forceful response was seen from Irene Montero, the equality minister of the Spanish government.
"It is a daily experience of sexual violence that women endure, and one that has remained hidden until now, and one that we should not accept as normal," stated Ms. Montero on Sunday, in her message on X, the social media platform previously known as Twitter.
In the meantime, FIFPRO, the international players' union, expressed their deep sorrow over the kiss.
FIFPRO expressed their disappointment that such a significant moment for the players of the Spain national team, broadcasted worldwide, was marred by the inappropriate behavior of an individual who held a position of great responsibility. FIFPRO stated that any uninvited physical gestures towards players are never appropriate or acceptable, particularly when players are made vulnerable due to the power dynamic with the person initiating the gesture.
