Credit: Twitter
Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has apologized for kissing star striker Jennifer Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony of the Women's World Cup final on Sunday. Rubiales said he was "wrong" and that he acted in a moment of "maximum effusiveness" without any bad intentions.
Spain won their first-ever Women's World Cup title by defeating England 1-0 in Sydney, thanks to a late goal by Hermoso. Rubiales was present at the stadium to witness the historic achievement and to congratulate the players. However, he caused controversy when he grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the mouth as she received her medal. Hermoso did not seem to appreciate the gesture and later told Spanish TV that she "did not enjoy that."
Rubiales initially defended his action and dismissed the criticism as "idiocies" from people who "don't know anything about football." He said that he and Hermoso had a "magnificent relationship" and that it was a "minor show of affection". The President had also claimed that nobody on the team gave it any importance and that they were focused on celebrating their victory.
However, Rubiales changed his tone on Monday and issued an apology in a video message released by the Spanish Football Federation. He admitted that he made a mistake and that he had to be more careful as the president of an important institution. He said, “Here is also a fact that I have to regret. And that is all what happened between me and a player, with whom there is a magnificent relationship and where I was surely wrong.”
Rubiales' apology came after he received criticism from various quarters, including Spain's Sports Minister Miquel Iceta, who said that his behavior was "unacceptable" and that he had to explain himself. Iceta also said that public figures had to be extremely careful with their attitudes and actions, as they sent a message to society.
