Spain’s prime minister has hit out at the country’s football federation chief, Luis Rubiales over the kissing controversy at the end of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.
The football chief has generated a lot of controversies for kissing Spain striker Jennifer Hermoso on the lips while they celebrated their 1-0 victory over England on Sunday.
Spain’s historic World Cup success has been overshadowed by the actions of Rubiales during the medal ceremony.
The 45-year-old grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips.
Hermoso, 33, said in an Instagram live from the dressing room afterwards that she ‘didn’t like it’.
Rubiales initially slammed critics of his actions, describing them as ‘idiots’ before posting a video message on Monday apologising.
The Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez – who greeted the whole squad and Rubiales on Tuesday – saying the RFEF president’s apology does not suffice.
“What we saw was an unacceptable gesture,” said Sanchez. “Rubiales’ apologies are not enough, I even think they are not adequate.
“He has to continue taking steps to clarify what we all saw. The players did everything to win but Rubiales’ behaviour shows that there is still a long way to go for equality.”
Spain’s second deputy prime minister, Yolanda Diaz, went even further and called for Rubiales’ resignation.
“Their excuses are useless,” she said. “[The Spain squad] have shown us many things about equality, not only in sports and football. They have shown us that there is still a lot to do in our country, that there is still a lot to do so that men and women can become equal.”
