Spanish ministers slam unconsented kiss for World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso as ‘an aggression’
- Luis Rubiales, president of the Spanish football federation, kissed the player uninvited as he distributed medals following Spain’s victory over England
- Hermoso was heard telling teammates in the locker room afterwards that she ‘didn’t like it’ in a video posted on Instagram by media outlets
The Spanish football federation president has been criticised by government ministers for kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebrations of their women’s World Cup victory.
Hermoso was heard telling teammates afterwards in the locker room she “didn’t like it” in a video posted on Instagram and YouTube by El Mundo newspaper and other media outlets.
The kiss happened as Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation, distributed gold medals among the team following their 1-0 victory over England on Sunday.
Hermoso later played down the incident in a statement sent to Spanish news agency EFE by the federation.
“It was mutual gesture that was totally spontaneous prompted by the huge joy of winning a world cup,” the statement said. “The ‘presi’ and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has always been 10 [out of 10] and this was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.”
Asked again about the incident on Spain’s COPE Radio station, she said: “I wish they created [controversy] involving someone else, I’m a world champion and that’s what matters.”
Rubiales meanwhile denounced those raising questions as “idiots”.