The forced kiss by the head of Spain’s football federation remains controversial, and now the country’s prime minister has weighed in to say it’s unacceptable.
The incident in question occurred after Spain beat England 1-0 in the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup at Stadium Australia in Sydney, 온라인카지노 Australia, on Tuesday (20 June) to win the tournament for the first time.
Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales congratulated the jubilant players on the podium before grabbing Jennifer Hermoso, who scored the winning goal, with both hands and kissing her face.
His sudden behaviour sparked a huge controversy. “Apart from the national jubilation, many fans were shocked by the forced kiss that Hermoso was subjected to,” reported Spanish outlet Marca, and many other media outlets also covered the incident.
As the controversy grew, Rubiales eventually issued a statement on the 22nd saying, “My behaviour was completely wrong and I admit (it was a mistake). I did it with no malicious intent, but I should have been more careful in my position as chairman.”
But despite his apology, the fallout is still strong.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that “something completely unacceptable has happened,” and added: “Mr Rubiales’ apology is not enough. The athletes did their best to win, but the president has shown that there is still a long way to go when it comes to gender equality,” he said in an official statement.
Spain’s Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz added: “Mr Rubiales has brought great shame to Spanish football. He must take responsibility for what happened and resign.”
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) had originally planned to hold a party-style congress to celebrate the Women’s World Cup victory, but Rubiales’ expulsion prompted the organisation to hold an emergency extraordinary congress.