For the first time in their history, the Spanish became world champions, this Sunday August 20, after their 1-0 victory over the English, in Sydney, Australia. A performance that will stand out: the country is, with Germany, the only selection to have climbed to the roof of the world for men and women.
As tradition dictates, the players collected their medals at the center of Stadium Australia, before being congratulated by Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). When celebrating the victory with striker Jennifer Hermoso, the RFEF boss then kissed her on the mouth.
The image lasts only a few seconds, but this gesture, which looks like a stolen kiss, quickly ignited social networks. Many wondered if the former PSG and FC Barelone player was consenting. Others have denounced a sexual assault by the Spanish leader, who is accused of having organized orgies with Federation money in September 2022.
Jenni has talked about the Rubiales kiss. �� “Eh, but I didn’t like her.” @Jennihermoso pic.twitter.com/yj8h1p3r5W
Other players would have been embarrassed by the behavior of the president of the RFEF, very close to the footballers during this competition.
“It’s a spontaneous celebration. The two are very close friends,” said a source within the Spanish FA. “The president and I have a great relationship, his behavior with all of us has been perfect and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude,” the player said in a statement sent by the Spanish Federation.
This inappropriate gesture is part of a tense context within the Spanish selection, while the players have been denouncing for several months the methods deemed “dictatorial” by coach Jorge Vilda.