Under-fire Luis Rubiales defended by Bayern chief over World Cup controversy
Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has defended Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following their World Cup win over England.
Rubiales' actions have been widely condemned, with Hermoso stating she "did not enjoy it". The Spanish football federation then released a new statement to the AFP attempting to downplay the incident, with Hermoso quoted as saying the kiss was "a natural gesture of affection and gratitude".
And Rummenigge, who remains a supervisory board member at Bayern having previously served as their CEO, has claimed Rubiales' actions were "absolutely okay". Speaking at the Sport Bild Awards, he said: "I think you shouldn't overdo it.
"When you become world champion, you are emotional. And what he did there is - sorry, with all due respect - absolutely okay. I can remember: When we won the Champions League last time, I kissed men - not on the mouth, but out of joy.
"Emotionality is important in football, you should leave the church in the village." Rubiales, meanwhile, initially claimed those condemning his actions were "idiots". He told Radio Marca: "The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere.
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"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." He later walked back those comments in a video apology, insisting he has a "fantastic relationship" with Hermoso and that he had "no bad intentions".
Rubiales said: "There is something I regret, and it was what happened between me and a player, with whom I have a fantastic relationship, just like with the others, where I have certainly made a mistake. I have to admit it.
Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has defended Rubiales (Getty Images)"In that moment of absolute exultation, without any bad intentions or bad faith, well… that happened. I believe it happened in a very spontaneous way, which I repeat had no bad intentions from either side.
"From that point on, it wasn't interpreted that way as we carried on as normal, naturally, and again with no ill will between us. But outside of that it seems like it has caused a commotion as it seemed to do damage, so I want to apologise for it, I don't ask for anything else."
However, Spain's prime minister Pedro Sanchez branded Rubiales' apologies "not suitable". He told reporters: "What we saw was an unacceptable gesture. Apologies have not been enough. They are not suitable. Mr. Rubiales has to keep taking steps. Some of Rubiales' behaviour shows that in our country there is still a long way to go in terms of equality and respect and equal rights for women and men."
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