LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has criticized Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), for kissing World Cup champion Jenni Hermoso.
Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips during the podium ceremony of the 2023 World Cup final after Jorge Vilda’s team defeated England 1-0.
Following the incident, Rubiales faced widespread criticism, which eventually led to his apology. Despite his initial defiance and offensive remarks towards his critics, he later expressed remorse.
Rubiales’ position is now under heightened scrutiny, as Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez insists that mere apologies are insufficient given the gravity of the situation.
Sanchez remarked during a press conference on Tuesday, “What we witnessed was an unacceptable gesture.
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Rubiales’ apologies are inadequate, and I even believe they are not appropriate. He needs to take further actions to address the incident and provide clarification.”
Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s second deputy prime minister, has also condemned Rubiales and called for his resignation, citing the incident as harassment and assault against a woman.
Irene Montero, the minister for equality, perceives the incident as a manifestation of “sexual violence.”
Hermoso initially expressed discomfort with the gesture but later defended Rubiales, characterizing the kiss as a spontaneous mutual expression of joy following the World Cup victory.
She emphasized that Rubiales’ behavior towards the team has always been respectful and that the kiss was a natural display of affection and gratitude.
Despite the apology, Rubiales faces uncertainty about his role as RFEF president, as the pressure from Spanish politicians continues to mount.