Outrage After Official Kisses World Cup Winner on Lips
The President of the Spanish Football Federation has apologized for kissing player.
On Sunday, the world watched as Spain beat England for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. However, it isn't the actual game that has people talking. At the Women's World Cup medal ceremony an official planted a kiss on one of the players, sparking major controversy and forcing an apology. Here is what you need to know about the most talked-about kiss of the week.
The president of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, embraced Jennifer Hermoso, a player on the team. He patted her on the back and kissed her on the lips.
The kiss happened while Rubiales was on the podium near Gianni Infantino, Fifa's president. It was during the medal and trophy presentation.
The video of the kiss went viral on social media. Many people commented that Rubiales was out of line for kissing a player.
There was also a video of Rubiales displaying an obscene gesture while celebrating the big win. He was seated next to Queen Letizia and Princess Sofía at the time.
During an interview with a Spanish television show, Hermoso weighed in on the kiss. "I did not like it," she confessed.
After the game, Rubiales reportedly joked with the players in the dressing room. He also promised them a trip to Ibiza for his wedding to Hermoso.
Rubiales attempted to downplay the incident. "There are idiots everywhere. When two people make an insignificant show of affection, we cannot pay attention to idiocy," he said.
Irene Montero, Spain's minister for equality, tweeted: "Let's not take for granted that kissing without consent is something 'that happens.' It is a form of sexual violence that women suffer daily and until now invisibly, and that we cannot normalise."
Hermoso later defended Rubiales, maintaining the kiss was "a gesture of friendship and gratitude . . . we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important."
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Rubiales also issued an apology. "I was completely wrong, I admit it," he said.
