A kiss from Spain’s association president Luis Rubiales for footballer Jennifer Hermoso at the award ceremony after winning the World Cup final caused a stir. Rubiales hugged and hugged the Spanish players at the ceremony following Sunday’s 1-0 win over England in Sydney. Videos on social networks show how the Spanish federation boss also kisses Hermoso on the mouth on this occasion, after a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“I didn’t like it,” said the 33-year-old offensive player later when asked about the scene. On social media, many users expressed clear criticism of Rubiales’ behavior. Spain’s Equal Opportunities Minister Irene Montero reported to Xformerly Twitter, with a very clear verdict: “This is a form of sexual violence”.
In the spanish daily newspaper El País it says in a comment: “What a pity that such a beautiful day is marred by this shabby machismo, this lack of sensitivity.”
Many players had already felt a lack of sensitivity even without this form of abusive behavior: Although the team has now won the World Cup, there was a lot of trouble in the months before – especially with coach Jorge Vilda. Last September, 15 national players had declared their temporary withdrawal from the Spanish selection in a letter. However, the association stood before Vilda. It was also evident during the World Cup that the atmosphere between him and the team remained tense.
As far as he is concerned, the head of the football association, Rubiales, apparently sees no reason to do anything. In an interview with Radio Marca he said when asked about the kiss on Sunday evening: “The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a moment of affection that has no further meaning, you shouldn’t listen to idiots. We are the winners and I stand by that.”
And Jenny Hermoso? For the time being, he does not comment further on social media, but instead focuses on what she and the team have achieved. A sensation for Spain.