Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales on Monday apologized for kissing star player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Rubiales, 45, kissed Hermoso on the lips after she received her medal, sparking an immediate global response.
“Definitely I made a mistake and I have to admit it,” Rubiales said in a video posted on social media by Spanish television.
“It was done without any ill intentions in the most exhilarating moment. We take it for granted here, it’s normal, but outside it’s already causing an uproar.”
“I have no choice but to apologize and learn from this… and when representing the federation, be more careful,” he said, adding that he thought the outrage was “” stupid”.
Earlier, Spain’s sports minister on Monday demanded an apology from Rubiales.
“I think it’s unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her,” acting minister Miquel Iceta told Spanish radio.
“The first thing he has to do is give an explanation and offer an apology, which is the logical and sensible thing to do,” Iceta said.
The minister added that while Sunday’s 1-0 win over England in Sydney was “a moment of intense emotions”, state officials “have to be extremely careful as we are giving a the message to society and that message is equal rights, that is respect.”
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‘Spontaneous’
Rubiales on Monday stressed that he has a “great relationship” with Hermoso.
On Sunday, the player posted a video on Instagram showing a celebration scene in the dressing room, in which she responded to teammates’ teasing by saying: “I don’t like that, eh!” while laughing.
Then on Sunday, the RFEF published their own quotes from Hermoso.
“It was a completely spontaneous joint gesture because of the immense joy that winning the World Cup brings,” Hermoso said.
“The president and I have a great relationship. His manners with all of us were outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.
“A gesture of friendship and gratitude that cannot be overlooked too much, we have won the World Cup and we will not deviate from what is important.”
Spain’s preparations for the World Cup were thrown into disarray last September when 15 players emailed the RFEF saying they did not want to be considered for selection.
Their outcry was mainly directed at coach Jorge Vilda and his methods, including complaints that he was too strict.
Rubiales supported Vilda and only 3 out of 15 were called up for the World Cup.
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