Spanish FA President Apologizes for Controversial Player Kiss, Faces Calls for Resignation
Spanish Football Association (FA) president Luis Rubiales has issued an apology after a controversial incident where he kissed player Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory. The incident has sparked calls for his resignation, with critics raising concerns about his behavior and past controversies.
Rubiales initially defended his actions and dismissed the criticism as the work of idiots. However, Spanish politicians and sports officials voiced their disapproval, demanding an apology and his resignation. In response to mounting pressure, Rubiales released a video address where he admitted his mistake and expressed remorse.
In his statement, Rubiales acknowledged his error and explained that the spontaneous kiss was not intended to cause harm or offend anyone. Despite maintaining his lack of understanding regarding the negative reaction, he recognized the upset caused and issued an apology.
Irene Montero, Spain’s Equality Minister, described the incident as sexual violence, emphasizing the need for greater gender equality in football. Anna Caula, the General Secretary of Sport for the regional Catalan government, also called for Rubiales’ resignation, stressing the importance of proper conduct from the president of the Spanish FA.
Jenni Hermoso, the player involved in the incident, revealed during a live online stream that she did not appreciate the kiss. Her subsequent comments, arranged by Spain’s FA, described the act as a mutually spontaneous gesture. However, the video footage that emerged showing Rubiales making an obscene gesture and grabbing his crotch during the celebrations with Spain’s Queen Letizia and her daughter drew further criticism.
Spanish politician Pablo Echenique uploaded the video and denounced Rubiales’ behavior, condemning both the non-consensual kiss and the offensive gesture. Echenique suggested that Rubiales potentially committed a crime with his actions.
Moreover, Rubiales’ past controversies have resurfaced, adding to the growing calls for his resignation. In 2020, his uncle accused him of using federation funds to organize parties involving young girls. Rubiales’ uncle claimed that these events were falsely categorized as work-related and that the costs were paid from FA funds. The federation dismissed the allegations as irregular and inappropriate behavior.
The unfolding controversy surrounding Rubiales has brought into question his fitness to lead the Spanish Football Association. As pressure mounts, the future of his position remains uncertain, with stakeholders and the public closely monitoring developments.
