Rubiales kisses Hermoso on the lips during medal ceremony
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has apologized for kissing Spain star Jenni Hermoso on the lips after she received her gold medal following the team’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England on Sunday. The incident, which was captured by cameras and widely shared on social media, sparked outrage and criticism from many people who saw it as a form of sexual harassment and a lack of respect for the player.
Hermoso, who scored the only goal of the match in the 67th minute, said on Instagram that she did not like the kiss and that it was “uncomfortable and unnecessary”. She also said that she felt “violated” by Rubiales’ gesture and that she hoped he would not repeat it with any other player. However, a statement released later on her behalf by the RFEF defended Rubiales and said that it was a “totally spontaneous mutual gesture” because of the “immense joy” that winning a World Cup brings.
Government minister condemns Rubiales’ action as “sexual violence”
Irene Montero, Spain’s equalities minister, was among those who denounced Rubiales’ action as “sexual violence” and said that it was something that women suffer on a daily basis. She said that up to now it had been “invisible” and that it is something “we can’t normalize”. She also said that “we should not assume kissing without consent is something ‘that happens’” and that it was a sign of “machismo” and “patriarchy”.
Montero also praised Hermoso for speaking out against the kiss and said that she was an example for other women who face similar situations. She said that Hermoso had shown “courage” and “dignity” and that she deserved “all our respect and admiration”.
Rubiales admits he made a mistake and apologizes to Hermoso
Rubiales, who has been the president of the RFEF since 2018, admitted that he made a mistake and apologized to Hermoso in a statement released on Monday. He said that he did not intend to offend or disrespect her and that he acted impulsively because of the emotion of the moment. He also said that he had a good relationship with Hermoso and that he considered her a friend.
He also asked for forgiveness from anyone who felt offended or hurt by his action and said that he was aware of the importance of respecting women’s rights and dignity. He said that he was committed to promoting gender equality and fighting against any form of discrimination or violence in soccer and society.
Social media users demand Rubiales’ resignation
Many social media users expressed their anger and disgust at Rubiales’ action and demanded his resignation. They used hashtags such as #RubialesDimision (Rubiales Resignation) and #RubialesVerguenza (Rubiales Shame) to voice their opinions. They also accused him of being a “sexist”, a “pig”, a “creep” and a “disgrace”.
Some users also pointed out the contrast between Rubiales’ kiss to Hermoso and his handshake to Sergio Ramos, the captain of the men’s national team, after they won the Euro 2020 in July. They said that this showed the double standard and the lack of respect that women face in soccer.
Spain wins its first Women’s World Cup despite controversy
Spain won its first Women’s World Cup in history after beating England 1-0 in the final in Lyon, France. The team, coached by Jorge Vilda, had an impressive performance throughout the tournament, defeating teams such as Brazil, Germany and France. Hermoso was the top scorer of the team with six goals.
However, the team’s success was overshadowed by controversy over Vilda, who survived a player revolt to keep his job. The RFEF said in September 2022 that 15 players had submitted identical emails saying they would not play for Vilda unless “significant” concerns over their “emotional state” and “health” were addressed. However, the RFEF continued to back Vilda and posted ‘VILDA IN’ on Spain’s official X account after their World Cup triumph.
