LThe president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, expressed his regret after the controversy caused by his gesture towards Jennifer Hermoso: after the Spanish team’s victory at the World Cup, he kissed the footballer on the mouth. “ In a moment of increasing fusion, without any bad intention, without any bad faith, what happened happened »he said in a video published on social networks on Monday, August 21.
“ Here we saw this as something natural, normal and, I repeat, without any bad intention, but outside it seems that a commotion has taken place »he lamented, before adding “ If there are people who have been injured by this, [il doit s’]Sorry, there’s nothing else to do ». The Spanish Minister of Culture and Sports, Miquel Iceta, was questioned by Spanish public radio on Monday morning and judged this act “ unacceptable » and asked the chairman of the RFEF to “ explanation » And “ apologies ».
“ A completely spontaneous mutual gesture »for Jennifer Hermoso
During the awards ceremony, after Spain’s victory over England (1-0) in the World Cup final in Australia and New Zealand, Luis Rubiales congratulated the world champion and kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips. Images of the scene, which went around the world, sparked controversy.
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“ It’s a spontaneous party that looks like this, the two are very friends »Federation sources explained to AFP on Sunday, while the player himself seemed to take the thing as a joke.
“ It was a completely spontaneous mutual gesture, because of the enormous joy of winning a World Cup. The President and I have a great relationship, his behavior towards all of us was excellent and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude »said Jennifer Hermoso in a press release from the RFEF. “ We have won a World Cup and we will not let ourselves be distracted from what is important »added the player.
Luis Rubiales also regretted that this controversy had occurred “ defiled » the celebration of “ greatest success of [leur] history in women’s football ».
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