Luis Rubiales, head of the Spanish Football Federation, has apologised for kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the lips. Spain had just won the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final at the time. In the award ceremony after the team’s 1-0 victory over England in the final on Sunday, Rubiales kissed the Spain forward.
On Monday, Rubiales said: “I was completely wrong, I have to admit it.”
The president kissed Pachuca player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after complimenting her. She was grabbed and given a pat on the back by Rubiales. People watching from all over the world were stunned by the event. Many of them immediately took to social media to ask what had happened. Some Spanish government ministers had condemned Rubiales, and he had faced backlash on social media.
On Instagram, Hermoso stated, “I didn’t like it.”
Rubiales added: “It was without bad intention at a time with a lot of excitement. In the moment, we saw it as natural, but outside a commotion has formed.
“I have to apologise, learn from this, and understand that when you are president you have to be more careful.”
Despite controversy surrounding coach Jorge Vilda, who overcame a player uprising to retain his position, Spain won the World Cup. In September 2022, the RFEF reported that 15 players had sent identical emails stating that they would not represent Vilda unless “significant” issues relating to their “emotional state” and “health” were resolved. But the RFEF persisted in supporting Vilda.
In the FIFA Women’s World Cup final against England, suffering secured a thrilling 1-0 victory. Spanish captain Olga Carmona’s first-half goal made all the difference in whether or not her team was able to maintain its advantage. The first-half woodwork stopped Lauren Hemp from advancing England the closest. The victory also enabled Spain to win the inaugural World Cup.
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