The President of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales has come under fire for kissing women’s team player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday night, August 20, 2023.
Spanish players stepped onto a podium at Stadium Australia to collect their gold medals from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, after they beat England 1-0 in the final.
During the presentation, the Spanish FA president was caught on video planting a cringe-worthy kiss on the lips of team captain Jenni Hermoso during the ceremony, causing outrage.
RFEF President Luis Rubiales kissed former Barça Femení player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the ceremony, after winning the World Cup… Hermoso later said that she did not enjoy it. pic.twitter.com/CtUAMoRRjQ
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) August 20, 2023
Jenni Hermoso has since insisted she “did not enjoy it” after being kissed on the lips by Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales.
Asked about the moment, Hermoso told Spanish TV network La 1: “Eh… yeah, I did not enjoy that.”
Rubiales was asked about the incident, telling Radio Marca that it was merely “two people having a minor show of affection” and that he will not take notice of “idiocy,” referencing those outraged by his behaviour.
“The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere,” he said. “When two people have a minor show of affection, we can’t listen to idiocies. We are champions and that is what stays with me”.
