‘Apologies not enough’ – Spanish PM slams Rubiales for kissing Hermoso

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) head, Luis Rubiales, has come under fire from Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for kissing Women’s World Cup victor Jenni Hermoso.

The gesture, according to Sanchez, was unacceptable, and he added that “apologies are not enough considering the magnitude of the incident.”

The 2023 Women’s World Cup final trophy presentation ceremony reportedly involved Rubiales grabbing Hermoso by the lips and kissing her on the podium.

This incident happened after Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time by defeating England 1-0.

Hermoso acknowledged that she did not appreciate the gesture but continued to speak out in support of Rubiales.

Yolanda Diaz, Spain’s second deputy prime minister, also criticized Rubiales.

Diaz called for his resignation, claiming that “a woman has been harassed and assaulted.”

In a similar vein, Irene Montero, the minister for equality, stated that she viewed the occurrence as a “form of sexual violence.”