After Social networks were lit by the kiss that Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), planted on Jennifer Hermoso at the award ceremony after Spain’s victory in the World Cup finalthe president apologized to all those who were offended by his action.
In a video that the RFEF broadcast to the media, rubiales He begins by saying that they are “before a historic event, one of the happiest days in Spanish football”, the world championship, something for which they have been “working for a long time” and feel “proud”.
“But there is also a fact that I have to regret and it is everything that has happened between me and a player, with a magnificent relationship between the two, as well as with others, and where, well, surely, I have been wrong. I have to admit it, because in a moment of maximum effusiveness, without any bad intentions, without any bad faith, what happened happened, very spontaneously, without bad faith on either side,” he says.
“From there, here it was not understood. We saw it as something natural, normal, and not at all in bad faith. But outside it seems that a commotion has formed. Of course, If there are people who have felt damaged by this, I have to apologize, there is no other option”, says Rubiales.
The kiss on the mouth of Rubiales to Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony went viral on social networks on Sunday and has motivated the response of acting members of government as the head of Equality, Irene Montero, that of Culture and Sports, Miquel Iceta, and that of Defense, Margarita Robles, who They have demanded explanations and apologies from the RFEF president.
“A non-consensual kiss is a form of sexual violence that women suffer on a daily basis, and up to now invisible, and that we cannot normalize,” said the Minister for Gender Equalityor acting, Irene Montero, on the social network X, to mention 1.
The top leader of the RFEF points out in his video that he also has to “learn from this and understand that when you are president of an institution as important as the Federation, you have to be more careful, especially in ceremonies and in these types of issues.” ”.
Likewise, he adds that in some of his statements made last night he said that the case seemed “idiotic for that reason, because In here nobody gave it the slightest importance, but outside they have given it to them ”. “I also want to apologize to these people, because I understand that if it has been seen differently from the outside, they will surely have their reasons,” he asserts.
Rubiales admits that he is “sorry because given the greatest success” in the “history of women’s football and one of the greatest in general, it is already the second World Cup”, “this has somewhat tarnished the celebration.”
“I think that these women must be given credit to the team led by Jorge Vilda, and this must be celebrated in style”, concludes Luis Rubiales.
What did Jennifer Hermoso say about the kiss?
The soccer player’s reaction was a bit contradictory, since minutes after it happened she started a live broadcast on social networks, in which she was questioned about the subject and said: “I didn’t like it, huh”, in the middle of the celebration in the locker room, moments later, at the insistence he expressed: “But what do I do…”, holding Rubiales fully responsible.
Hours later, the striker of the Tuzas de Pachuca He slightly modified his version, arguing that it was a mutual gesture of affection and gratitude.
“It was a mutual gesture, completely spontaneous, because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup gives“He said in another statement sent by the RFEF.
“The ‘president’ and I have a great relationship, his behavior with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.“concludes the world champion soccer player.
*With information from EFE
Keep reading:
· Luis Rubiales steals a kiss on the mouth from Jennifer Hermoso and she reacts: “I didn’t like it, but what do I do?
Historical Spain: The national team wins a Women’s World Cup for the first time
· “It’s the best feeling I’ve ever experienced”: Jennifer Hermoso sheds tears after winning the World Cup