Outrage continued to grow Tuesday after Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales kissed star player Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s first World Cup title, with the country’s acting prime minister the latest to condemn him.
Rubiales originally defended kissing Hermoso on the lips in celebration, calling his critics “idiots,” before apologizing Monday. Acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez addressed the controversy Tuesday after greeting the World Cup winners at the presidential palace in Madrid.
“What we saw is unacceptable,” Sanchez said. “And the apologies offered by Mr. Rubiales are not sufficient, I would call them inappropriate, so he must continue taking further steps to clarify what we all saw.”
Rubiales kissed Hermoso — the all-time leading goal scorer for the Spain women’s national team and for FC Barcelona — during Sunday’s medal ceremony after Spain beat England, 1-0, in the final.
The acting prime minister’s criticism followed that of Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s acting second deputy prime minister, who called for Rubiales to resign and said Hermoso had been “harassed and assaulted.” Spanish equality minister Irene Montero called the incident “a form of sexual violence.”
Hermoso, 33, has described the kiss as “no big deal” and the result of “the emotion of the moment,” according to ESPN. On Monday, Hermoso tried to direct focus toward her team’s historic victory.
“We’re world champions, aren’t we?” Hermoso said during celebrations in Madrid. “Right now I think it’s too much.”
Rubiales, 45, is a former player who was elected as the RFEF president in 2018. He is up for re-election next year. Rubiales also drew backlash Sunday for grabbing his crotch in celebration as Spain’s Princess Infanta Sofía, 16, stood nearby.
Spain’s victory came after numerous players criticized the team’s culture under coach Jorge Vilda, who received Rubiales’ support. Many of the Spanish players who spoke out did not compete in the World Cup.
With News Wire Services
