President of Spanish Football Association Sparks Controversy Over 'Forced Kiss' with Women's World Cup Champion

During Celebration, Holding Hair and Kissing
"I Think It's an Expression of Affection... Winning Is What Matters"

Luis Rubiales (45), president of the Spanish Football Federation, has sparked controversy by forcibly kissing a player of the Spain women's national football team on the head during the award ceremony for the 2023 FIFA Australia-New Zealand Women's World Cup victory.

Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Association, forcibly kisses a female soccer player at an awards ceremony.
[Photo by rtve broadcast screen capture]

On the 20th, Spain defeated England 1-0 in the final of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup held at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia, claiming the championship for the first time in history.

Rubiales, who took the stage, congratulated the players joyfully wearing their gold medals during the ceremony. During this, after hugging forward Jennifer Hermoso, he wrapped both hands around her head and kissed her.

Local Spanish media reported, "Apart from the nation's joy, many fans were deeply shocked by the forced kiss Hermoso received."

Anna Carreu, a Spanish journalist, raised her voice, saying, "I don't recall seeing Rubiales kiss Jordi Alba (a Spanish male football player) after Spain won the Nations League in June."

The New York Times (NYT) criticized, "It broadcast to the entire world that gender discrimination still remains in the football world."

Moreover, a video taken by Hermoso later in the locker room captured her mouthing to a teammate that it was "disgusting," intensifying the controversy. Hermoso also indirectly expressed her displeasure by saying "It wasn't very good" during an Instagram live broadcast.

On the 20th, Spain defeated England 1-0 in the final of the Australia-New Zealand 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, becoming the first-ever team to claim the championship.
[Photo by AP·Yonhap News]

However, as the controversy grew, Hermoso told local media, "President Rubiales' behavior was a natural expression of affection," adding, "We won the World Cup, and there is nothing more important than that at this moment."

She continued, "The national team maintains a good relationship with Rubiales," attempting to calm the situation.