In an unexpected turn of events, Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales embraces and kisses Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso after their 1-0 victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final. Despite speculation of his resignation, Rubiales surprises the footballing world with an extraordinary speech.
Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish FA, has dismissed accusations against him as a witch hunt by “false feminists” following his refusal to resign over a controversial post-match incident involving a kiss with Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win.
Rubiales, the president of the RFEF, kissed the forward on the lips during the medal ceremony after their 1-0 win against England in Sydney.
Rubiales initially called his critics “idiots” but later apologized and is now expected to step down due to growing pressure.
Loudly refusing to step down, he stunned the footballing world with an impassioned speech during a Spanish Football Federation assembly.
Rubiales, who is now under investigation by FIFA, also said of the incident: “The kiss was the same I could give one of my daughters.”
In a video streamed on social media, Hermoso expressed his dislike for the kiss, but felt powerless to do anything about it.
The Spanish players’ union will support and protect Hermoso’s interests in response to the issue, vowing to hold the responsible party accountable.
FIFPro has urged for disciplinary action against Rubiales, stressing the importance of sending a strong message to the football industry.
Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias has announced that he will not play for the national team again until certain changes are made and certain acts are properly punished.
In a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, the 30-year-old wrote: “As a footballer and as a person I don’t feel represented by what happened today. Wearing the Spanish national team shirt is one of the greatest things that has happened to me in my career.
“I don’t know if at some point I will be an option again, but I have made the decision not to return to the national team until things change and this type of act does not go unpunished.”
Before the kiss, Rubiales had also grabbed his crotch in a lewd victory gesture from the section of dignitaries at the stadium, with Spain’s Queen Letizia and the 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia standing nearby.
“I apologise for my mistakes,” he added. “I’m going to continue fighting as my parents and my coaches taught me. Those who know me, know that we are going to get to the end.”
Rubiales’ speech received frequent applause from the crowd and concluded with a standing ovation, with Spain Women’s head coach Jorge Vilda and De la Fuente, the men’s head coach, among those showing their appreciation.
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