Spanish FA president apologizes for kissing female player on lips

The President of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, has apologized for planting a kiss on female striker, Jenni Hermoso’s lips after the World Cup winner collected her medal on Sunday.

The FA President, 45, was instantly criticized for promoting sexism which he did not immediately show remorse for.

Rubiales told Spanish broadcaster COPE it was “a kiss between two friends celebrating something,” adding that those who saw it differently were “idiots and stupid people”.

His comments fuelled more discontent in Spain, with the Sports Minister demanding an apology for the act against Jenni Hermoso.

“I didn’t like it,” the 33-year-old wrote on Instagram.

Following widespread criticism, the federation head said: “Certainly I made a mistake and I have to acknowledge that.

“It was done without any ill intention in a moment of high excitement. I have no choice but to apologise and to learn from this… and when representing the federation take more care,” Rubiales said in a video posted on social media by Spanish television.

Spain won their first FIFA Women’s World Cup title, after defeating England 1-0 in the final of the 2023 tournament in Sydney.