Luis Rubiales: Spain’s PM says FIFA chief’s apologies for kissing Jennifer Hermoso ‘not enough’

CNN
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the apologies made by Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spain Midfielder Jennifer Hermoso Unwanted kiss On the lips “not enough”.

Amid widespread criticism of the incident, including from the Spanish Footballers’ Association, Sanchez answered questions from reporters on Tuesday and said that “what we saw was an unacceptable gesture.”

“Regarding Mr. Rubiales and all the controversy that occurred, I think above all that they, the players, did everything to win,” Sanchez said.

“But it is true that there have been some actions, in this case of Mr. Rubiales, that show that in our country there is still a long way to go in terms of equality and respect and in this equal rights of women and men.

“The apologies made by Mr. Rubiales are not enough. “I think it’s not appropriate, and therefore Mr. Rubiales needs to continue taking steps to clarify what we all saw,” Sanchez added.

Rubiales and Sanchez met earlier Tuesday and shook hands when the Spanish national team visited the Moncloa Palace – the residence of the Spanish prime minister – to receive the gold medal of the Order of Sporting Merit.

“The president of the federation is chosen or removed by the members of the federation,” Sanchez added, when asked if he would look to remove Rubiales from his post.

“I have already said in my first reply to your colleagues that his explanation was insufficient, and that Mr. Rubiales should take further steps to clarify his behaviour, which is in no way acceptable.

“He does not relate to the sentiments of the majority of the citizens, who clearly bet on the equality of men and women, and whom, logically, we have seen his statements of apology, which I do not know if you have all seen them.” It is, but I think it is not enough.

CNN has reached out to the Spanish Football Federation for comment on Sanchez’s remarks, but had not received a response at the time of publication.

Rubiales admitted on Monday that he “made a mistake” when he kissed Hermoso on the lips after the 33-year-old picked up a winners’ medal after the Women’s World Cup. Final victory over England.

Rubiales faced widespread criticism over the incident, calling his behavior “unacceptable” and “simply disgusting”.

“Hey, I didn’t like it, eh,” Hermoso said, apparently answering questions about the incident in an Instagram Live video, which was shared by Spanish journalist Irrati Vida on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Later in the Instagram Live video — taken in Spain’s locker room — Hermoso answered a question from another woman: “But what have you been doing, sister?” The 33-year-old replied: “But what should I do?”

On the radio program “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 feelings of the moment, there was nothing there.” It will just be an anecdote [of the time]. I’m pretty sure it won’t be blown up any more.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association, which seeks to defend the rights of Spanish soccer players, described Rubiales’ actions as “unfortunate”.

“Body gestures directed towards any person, in this case a footballer, are not appropriate or acceptable in any context without the express consent of the person concerned.” statement From reading AFE.

“It is particularly dangerous given what happened with Jennifer Hermoso who found herself in a state of apparent vulnerability to someone in a position of power over her who initiated the approach or made a physical gesture.”

The independent body called on the authorities to seek legal solutions through sports law, in case Rubiales does not resign “immediately”.

The case has been widely condemned in Spain, including by politicians across the political spectrum.

“We continue to call for the resignation of the man who belittled and assaulted a woman. “His excuses serve absolutely nothing,” Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s acting second deputy prime minister and leader of Sumar’s party, told a news conference.

“All institutional leaders must have exemplary behavior and the ideal nature must be respect for women and what we saw in this final in this sense was shameful,” said Coca Gambara, a spokeswoman for parliament and general secretary of the Popular Party. Only shame comes to my mind, at least.