The incident of RFEF President Luis Rubiales "kissing" with 2023 Women's World Cup champion Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony on the evening of August 20 in New Zealand has spread on social media and brought strong reactions from fans and demands for his resignation.
This has also prompted several members of the government to speak out. The head of the Ministry of Gender Equality, Irene Montero, the head of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Miquel Iceta, and the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, have described the kiss as "unacceptable" or "sexual violence and an abuse of power".
They also demanded an explanation and apology from the RFEF president. Meanwhile, Spain's second deputy prime minister Yolanda Diaz said the RFEF president should resign.
RFEF President "kisses" Hermoso
Under pressure from public opinion and government leaders, RFEF President Rubiales appeared in a RFEF clip talking about the championship as "a historic event, one of the happiest days of Spanish football".
"But there is also a truth that I have to regret, which is what happened between me and a player. I have a great relationship between the two of us, as well as with another member. Certainly I was wrong. I have to admit that, because in a moment of outburst, without bad intentions, what happened, very natural from both sides" - Mr. Rubiales said.
President Rubiales also said that the action was not malicious, but if Jenni Hermoso felt hurt, he had to apologize. "Of course, if she felt hurt by this, I have to apologize. I will learn from this and understand that as the president of an important organization like the federation, you have to be more careful, especially in ceremonies and things like this," the RFEF President added.
Spain won the Women's World Cup for the first time in nine seasons and have made it to the finals for three consecutive seasons.
The RFEF tried to ease the issue, with Jenni Hermoso saying in a statement: "It was a completely spontaneous gesture, a gesture of great joy for winning the World Cup. The president has a great relationship and manner with me and everyone.
We spent ten hours in suspense before winning the title and it was a natural gesture of love and gratitude. You can't go overboard with a gesture of friendship and gratitude but we won the World Cup."
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