Luis Rubiales: The Spanish football boss faces criticism after surprisingly kissing the world champion on the lips

CNN
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Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) President Luis Rubiales has been criticized for surprisingly kissing Spain midfielder Jennifer Hermoso on the lips after the 33-year-old died after the team’s final victory at the Women’s World Cup on Sunday won her gold medal against England.

Rubiales was on stage at the FIFA awards ceremony after the final, alongside other dignitaries including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Spain’s Queen Letizia and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The video shows Rubiales hugging Hermoso, then placing both hands on her head before kissing her. He then pats her on the shoulder as she walks away.

“Hey, I didn’t like it, eh,” Hermoso says as she appears to be answering questions about the incident in a live Instagram video — a clip of which was shared by Spanish journalist Irati Vida on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter , divided.

Later in the Instagram Live video – captured in Spain’s dressing room – Hermoso answers another woman’s question: “But what have you been doing, sis?” The 33-year-old replies, “But what should I do?”

Speaking on the radio show “El Tiempo de Juego” on Cadena COPE, Hermoso spoke about the kiss on Sunday, saying, “She wasn’t expecting it,” but “it was because of the emotion of the moment, there’s nothing left.” It’s only going to be remain an anecdote [of the time]. I’m absolutely sure it won’t blow up any more.”

Asked by Radio Marca about the Hermoso incident, Rubiales replied: ‘The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a moment of affection without any meaning, we cannot listen to idiocy. We are champions and I stand by it.”

But on Monday, Spanish political party SUMAR called for Rubiales’ resignation, while Spain’s Culture and Sport Minister Miquel Iceta told RTVE the kiss was “unacceptable”.

“I find it unacceptable to kiss a player on the lips to congratulate her. And from what I’ve seen… I think it has to be said. We all deserve respect,” Iceta said. “I think first of all he needs to make a statement and present his reasoning. I think that’s the logical and sensible thing to do.”

Following Spain’s win on Sunday, Alberto Ortega of Spanish newspaper El Confidencial posted on

“A new demonstration of the need to suck the camera [be the center of attention] and be the protagonist when it’s not his turn,” added Ortega.

Daily Mirror journalist Colin Millar, who writes about European football for the British newspaper, described Rubiales’ behavior as “not okay”.

“This is the pinnacle of a footballer’s career and it’s very emotionally charged,” Millar wrote on X.

Hermoso wasn’t the only Spanish player Rubiales kissed at the post-match celebrations.

After other members of the Spanish team received their medals, video shows Rubiales kissing them on the cheeks and holding some of them in his arms.

Another video clip shows Rubiales interrupting a group of Spanish players’ cheering before kissing Olga Carmona on the cheek, who scored Spain’s winning goal in the 1-0 win over England.

In footage posted to an Instagram Live by Spanish star Salma Paralluelo, Rubiales can be seen entering the dressing room and telling the Spanish players that the RFEF will pay for them to travel to Ibiza and he will marry Hermoso there .

CNN has contacted Hermoso’s agents for comment on the incident, as well as the RFEF’s press officer in Australia, but has not received a response as of publication.