Title: Luis Rubiales Faces Backlash for Controversial Kiss at FIFA Women’s World Cup Victory Celebrations
Subtitle: Rubiales’ actions deemed inappropriate and spark widespread criticism
Date: August 21, 2023
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), is facing intense scrutiny and condemnation following an incident during the post-match celebrations at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Rubiales kissed Spanish football player Jenni Hermoso on the lips, a gesture that has triggered outrage in Spain and beyond.
Spain’s victory over the United Kingdom on Sunday in Sydney marked a historic moment for the team, but Rubiales’ actions stole the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While he kissed every other Spanish player on the cheek after they received their gold medals, his decision to kiss Hermoso on the lips has sparked an uproar.
Social media platforms have been flooded with criticisms over Rubiales’ behavior, with one post on Twitter stating, “Rubiales is a man with power over Hermoso who has decided unilaterally and in the middle of a stage to plant a kiss on the mouth of a player.” The incident has ignited a broader conversation about consent and power dynamics in sports.
Some commentators have gone as far as describing Rubiales’ act as “sexual abuse,” urging FIFA to take immediate action against him. The incident has shed light on the daily struggles faced by women in sports, including a power differential, objectification, harassment, and an absence of agency.
Jenni Hermoso herself expressed her discomfort over the incident during an Instagram live session. She stated, “Hey, I didn’t like it, eh,” according to a post by Spanish journalist Irati Vida. However, conflicting reports suggest that Hermoso later referred to the kiss as a “spontaneous mutual gesture” in a statement released by the RFEF after Spain’s victory.
Videos and pictures circulating on social media show Rubiales holding hands with other players and kissing Spanish footballer Olga Carmona on the cheek during the celebration. Rubiales has defended his actions with Hermoso, describing it as a “minor show of affection” between two people.
The fallout from this incident raises important questions about consent, boundaries, and power dynamics in sport. As calls intensify for FIFA to take action, the incident serves as a stark reminder that respect and understanding should govern post-match celebrations and interactions between athletes, officials, and administrators.