Spanish Football Federation chief Luis Rubiales has apologised after an unsolicited kiss he planted on midfielder Jenni Hermoso's lips during celebrations of the country's Women's World Cup victory sparked outrage.
Hermoso, who helped the team achieve its first Women's World Cup title on Sunday night in Sydney, had been hugging Rubiales before he grabbed her head, kissed her on the lips and patted her back.
"Surely I was wrong, I have to admit," Rubiales said in a video statement sent by the federation. "It was without bad faith at a time of maximum effusiveness."
The moment stirred controversy online, with former Socceroo Craig Foster calling the moment "horrific" on X (formerly known as Twitter) and urging FIFA and the Spanish FA to stand Rubiales down.
"Women in sport are daily subject to an extreme power differential, objectification, harassment, sexual abuse and an absence of agency and power," Foster said.
Addressing the moment, Hermoso said, “Yeah, I did not enjoy that."
In later comments, made to the AFP via the Spanish Federation, Hermoso played down the incident, saying, “It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings."
“The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude."
Earlier, Rubiales attempted to defend his actions when speaking on the Spanish radio station MARCA.
“The kiss with Jenni? Idiots are everywhere,” he said in response to the criticism.
“When two people have an unimportant gesture of affection, we can’t listen to idiocy”.
But fans online voiced disappointment and upset at the gesture.
"A ridiculously grim end to a World Cup that had brought so much joy," said one fan on X.
"Any wins the women made was in spite of their management, not because of management," said another fan online.
the team and coaches celebrated in two distinct groups at either end of the ground before later joining together.
last year when 15 national players said they would no longer play for their country while he remained in the job.
Reports from the time pointed to player issues with training, facilities, and low levels of support from the federation as well as the coach, who some considered too authoritarian.
Conciliatory talks led to three players among 'Las 15' to turn out at the World Cup: Aitana Bonmati, Mariona Caldentey and Ona Batlle.
The others were not considered, including Barcelona's two-time Champions League winners Patri Guijarro and Mapi Leon.
In a press conference after Spain's semi-final win over Sweden Vilda said, "You're asking about the past."
"I would like to indicate the backing and the support from the president (Rubiales) ... a president who is reacting with courage.
"He put his trust in me. We are happy with the whole process, and have great unity."
Additional reporting by AAP.
