LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president, has refused to apologize to Jenni Hermoso for their post-World Cup final kiss and is adamant that the “truth will come out.”
Rubiales resigned from his position on Sunday after facing mounting criticism and calls for his resignation following the kiss incident.
Hermoso had stated that the kiss was not consensual, which occurred after Spain’s 1-0 Women’s World Cup final win over England on 20 August.
In an interview on TalkTV, Rubiales, aged 46, maintained that the kiss was “mutual” and expressed his lack of concern about potential criminal charges.
Prosecutors had opened a case against him for “the crimes of sexual assault and coercion,” leading to his summons to appear in a Spanish court.
READ ALSO: Luis Rubiales Steps Down as RFEF President Following Hermoso World Cup Kiss Scandal
When asked about personally apologizing to Hermoso, Rubiales responded: “What happened is regrettable for everyone. We had Jenni lifting me, a fleeting kiss that lasted two-tenths of a second.
“But the aftermath of that is insane. So, Piers, it’s about defending my dignity. It’s not about that; it’s about humility.”
Despite being asked three more times about apologizing to Hermoso, Rubiales insisted: “We had a spontaneous, mutual act that both consented to, driven by the emotion of the moment and happiness. That is the truth of what happened.”
Rubiales was also seen kissing several members of Spain’s World Cup-winning team on the cheek when they received their medals and lifting some of them into the air. He had also lifted Athenea del Castillo onto his shoulders.
When questioned about whether he would have acted similarly with the men’s team, Rubiales responded: “No doubt, 100 per cent. When I was a player, there were many moments where we celebrated avoiding relegation or achieving promotion, and we exchanged what we call kisses on the lips.”
Rubiales will testify as a defendant on Friday as part of the lawsuit against him. Nevertheless, he remained confident and relaxed, saying,“I have full faith that the truth will come out, and everything will be fine. Look at my face; I am a good person. Look at me in the eyes.”
