Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, faced significant backlash for his behavior during Sunday’s Women's World Cup final. He has since expressed regret, particularly for kissing Spanish team player Jenni Hermoso, admitting that his actions seemed to have created a stir.
As a key figure in UEFA's ruling executive committee and serving as a vice-president of European football’s governing body, Rubiales' actions were magnified when images surfaced of him kissing Hermoso during the medal ceremony in Sydney. Spain had just clinched a victory against England with a score of 1-0. Videos have also shown Rubiales kissing goalscorer Olga Carmona and engaging in questionable behavior in the stadium’s VIP area.
Miquel Iceta, Spain’s acting culture and sports minister, didn't mince words when he termed Rubiales’ behavior “unacceptable”. He urged Rubiales to clarify his actions and extend an apology.
Interestingly, Rubiales' video statement only addressed the incident with Hermoso, avoiding any reference to his actions in the VIP box where he was in the company of Spain’s Queen Letizia and her daughter, Sofia.
Rubiales explained, “In that moment of absolute exultation, without any bad intentions or bad faith, well… that happened. I believe it happened in a very spontaneous way, which I repeat had no bad intentions from either side.”
This controversy surfaces not long after 15 Spain players revolted, allegedly unhappy with multiple facets of the national team set-up. However, neither Hermoso nor Carmona were part of that group. Hermoso expressed discomfort over the kiss on social media but subsequently clarified through the federation that the gesture was mutual and spontaneous.
World players’ union FIFPRO weighed in, stating, “It is deeply lamentable that such a special moment for the players of the Spain national team... should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility.” They emphasized that uninvited physical gestures, especially by those in power, are neither appropriate nor acceptable.
UEFA has, so far, opted to remain silent on the matter.
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