Spain minister demands FA chief apologise for kissing World Cup star on lips

21 August 2023 , 12:06

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Spain's Minister for Culture and Sport Miquel Iceta has demanded the country's FA president Luis Rubiales apologise for kissing World Cup star Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

Hermoso said she "did not enjoy it" when Rubiales kissed her on the lips after she received her winner's medal on Sunday. The Spanish FA chief did so after congratulating the 33-year-old for her role in defeating England 1-0 in the World Cup final in Sydney.

Hermoso was handed her medal by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and was greeted by several other dignitaries. Among them was a visibly delighted Rubiales, who gave Hermoso a strong hug – temporarily lifting her off her feet – before briefly speaking to her and then, when placing his hands on the back of her head, pulling her in to kiss her on the lips.

Government minister Iceta said of the incident on the radio show Las Mananas de RNE on Monday morning: "I find it unacceptable... we live in a moment of equality, rights and respect for women. We all have to be especially careful in our attitudes and our actions.

"I believe that it is unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her. From what I have seen, I think it must be said that we all deserve respect."

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Iceta was then asked about the possible resignation of Rubiales, to which he responded: "The first thing you have to do is explain and not make excuses. That is logical and reasonable.

Hermoso was kissed on her lips by Spain FA president Rubiales after the match (RTVE)

"Those of us who have public responsibilities have to be extremely careful because we are giving a message to society and the message is: 'Equal rights is respect'. Any circumstance that could be interpreted in terms differently must be avoided."

Footage of the incident swiftly went viral on social media with supporters of the Spanish team and many others highlighting the actions of Rubiales and stating that they were inappropriate. Hermoso then spoke of the incident on her Instagram Live account after the match.

The star said of the incident: "Eh... yeah, I did not enjoy that." She was then asked by an unidentified teammate: "Sis, what have you done"? Hermoso replied: "What can I do, look at me." An unidentified male member of staff then asked: "Did he use tongue?"

Further footage was posted on Spain forward Salma Paralluelo's Instagram Live account, showing Rubiales entering the players' dressing room after the match. He informed them that they must visit the Spanish island of Ibiza, as that is where he will marry Hermoso.

The kiss with Hermoso did not appear to be an isolated incident, with Rubiales also pictured kissing the cheek of Olga Carmona - the scorer of Spain's winning goal - during the on-field celebrations after the match.

Rubiales was also pictured kissing Olga Carmona after the game (Twitter@https://twitter.com/PabloEchenique)

Rubiales, meanwhile, said it was "a minor show of affection" and called those condemning his actions "idiots". He told Radio Marca: "The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. 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."

In an attempt to play down the incident, the Spanish football federation has released a new statement to AFP where Hermoso says the kiss was "a natural gesture of affection and gratitude". She said: "It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings.

"The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude. A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important."

Hermoso is Spain's all-time leading goalscorer and the World Cup is the latest trophy she has won during her illustrious career. Across stints at Rayo Vallecano, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, Hermoso has lifted seven Spanish league titles and also started for Barcelona as they beat Chelsea to win the 2021 Champions League final.