the president of the Spanish federation criticized for having kissed a player on the mouth – Liberation

2023 Women’s World Cup fileKissed on the mouth by Luis Rubiales during the celebration of La Roja’s victory in the Women’s World Cup on Sunday August 20, player Jenni Hermoso nuanced the incident by evoking “a natural gesture of affection and gratitude”.

The joy of victory cannot justify everything. The president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, is under heavy criticism for having kissed striker Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after the coronation of La Roja against England on Sunday August 20 in the final of the World Cup (1 -0). Footage shot on the podium at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium clearly shows Rubiales kissing the player on the mouth while holding her head. Taken up by Spanish media, they spread like wildfire on social networks. Rubiales is accused by some of sexual assault.

The Spanish No. 10 reacted briefly to this incident, declaring in a live on Instagram broadcast from the locker room: “I didn’t like it, huh!”, Before smiling at the goal.

The president of the Spanish federation forcefully kisses Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after the coronation at the Women’s World Cup, the player reacts in the locker room: “No, I didn’t like it”pic.twitter.com/CABds60i9P

— A FOOT TRICK (@untrucdefoot) August 20, 2023

In statements then sent to the press by her federation, she explained that it was “a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that comes from winning a World Cup”. “The president and I have a great relationship, his behavior with all of us was perfect and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude,” she added.

Before embarking for Spain, Rubiales awkwardly defended himself on Sunday evening. “It’s just about a kiss between friends who are celebrating something. It’s a thing without malice, “said the president of the Spanish federation at the microphone of the radio. Cope from Sydney Airport. Before attacking his detractors: “If there are fools, let them continue their nonsense. Let’s listen to those who are not idiots. It’s something that doesn’t make sense, if people want to waste their time with it.”

Orgies with fed money

Some Spanish newspapers initially believed in a remake of the formalization of the relationship between goalkeeper Iker Casillas and journalist Sara Carbonero, who kissed live after Spain’s world title in 2010.

But the kiss of the president of the federation is part of a heavy context within the Spanish selection. Players have been denouncing for months the methods deemed “dictatorial” of the coach, Jorge Vilda, who enjoys the unwavering support of his president. Luis Rubiales, in office since 2018, is not at his first attempt. He was accused last September of having organized orgies with the money of the federation.

Update: 11:02 a.m. with statements from Luis Rubiales.