CNN
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Luis Rubiales, president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has been criticized for kissing 33-year-old Spain midfielder Jennifer Hermoso, who won gold in Sunday’s women’s World Cup final against England. are exposed.
Rubiales joined other dignitaries including Gianni Infantino, president of world governing body of football, Spain’s Queen Letizia and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on stage at the FIFA award ceremony after the final.
The video shows Rubiales hugging Hermoso and placing his hands on her head before kissing her. And as she walked away, he patted her on the back.
“Hey, I didn’t like that,” Hermoso said in the clip, which appeared to answer questions about the incident in an Instagram Live video. shared by Spanish journalist Iraty Vida talks about X (the platform formerly known as Twitter).
Hermoso answers questions from another woman later in the live Instagram video shot in a locker room in Spain. “But sister, what have you been doing?” the 33-year-old replied. “But what should I do?”
On the radio show “El Tiempo de Juego” by Cadena Corp in Hermoso talked about kissing “She didn’t expect it,” he said on Sunday, but “it was because of the emotion of the moment and there was nothing more to it.”will be just an anecdote [of the time]. I’m sure there will never be another explosion. ”
Asked by Radio Marca about what happened with Hermoso, Rubiales said: “A kiss with Jeni? There are idiots everywhere. We are the champions and I will continue to defend them.”
But according to Alberto Ortega of the Spanish newspaper El Confidential: Posted in X “Rubiales taking trophies from players to give to Queen Letizia and kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth is simply disgusting.”
“A new demonstration of the need to suck the camera [be the center of attention] And be the hero when it’s not your turn,” Ortega added.
Daily Mirror journalist Colin Miller, who writes about European football for the British newspaper, called Rubiales’ behavior “not good”.
“This is the highlight of a footballer’s career and they are very emotional,” the post said. Mirror on X.
Hermoso wasn’t the only Spaniard kissed by Rubiales during the post-match celebration.
The video shows Rubiales kissing the other members of the Spanish national team after receiving their medals, as well as holding part of the medal in his arms.
Another video clip shows Rubiales interrupting the Spanish team’s celebrations to kiss Olga Carmona on the cheek, who scored Spain’s winning goal in a 1-0 victory over England. .
A video posted by Spanish star Salma Pararuelo on Instagram Live shows Rubiales entering the locker room and telling the Spanish players that the RFEF will pay for their trip to Ibiza, where they will marry Hermoso. is projected.
A representative for Hermoso, as well as a spokesperson for the RFEF in Australia, did not respond to CNN’s request for comment about the incident.