Megan Rapinoe has slammed Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales for kissing Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup trophy presentation on Sunday.
Spain's success has been overshadowed by an incident in which Rubiales was seen to place his hand on both sides of Hermoso's face and kiss her on the lips.
After initially referring to those criticising him as "idiots," Rubiales has since issued an apology amid growing calls for his resignation in Spain.
"It was without bad intention at a time with a lot of excitement," he said in a video message. "In the moment, we saw it as natural, but outside a commotion has formed. I have to apologise, learn from this, and understand that when you are president you have to be more careful."
Luis Rubiales heavily-criticised for behaviour
The kiss wasn't the only incident involving Rubiales as Spain celebrated their first World Cup victory, as he was seen to apparently grab his crotch in celebration in the stands, while stating that he will "marry" Hermoso in the dressing room afterwards.
Hermoso herself was heard to say that she "didn't like" Rubiales kiss during a live stream after the game, but a statement issued by the federation later quoted her as 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.”
I can confirm that a Michael Jackson song was NOT playing in the stadium. And as for the kiss on Jenni….
Goodbye #Rubiales pic.twitter.com/VahsRI0CJZ— emma byrne (@emmsb30) August 21, 2023
Megan Rapinoe slams Luis Rubiales
Rapinoe, a two-time World Cup winner with the United States, has now offered her opinion on the behaviour of Rubiales, in an interview with The Atlantic.
In it, she referenced the much-publicised dispute involving some Spanish women's players and coach Jorge Vilda, which saw a number of high-profile stars miss out on competing at the World Cup.
"Think how much that Spanish team had to shoulder: Some of the players who stood up way back last year [to protest poor treatment by their coach and federation] still aren’t on the team. Maybe that was something that galvanised them, but you shouldn’t have to have that.
"There was another picture that signals such a deep level of misogyny and sexism in that federation and in that man at the final whistle, just grabbing his crotch.
"What kind of upside-down world are we in? On the biggest stage, where you should be celebrating, Jenni has to be physically assaulted by this guy."
In an exclusive interview with Franklin Foer, the retiring soccer star Megan Rapinoe discusses her detractors, the U.S. team’s role in the global game, and taking penalty kicks. https://t.co/bsM3ra7OLM pic.twitter.com/Ptl73SU4vW
— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) August 22, 2023
PM calls out Luis Rubiales
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also weighed in in the controversy, saying that "the apologies he has given are not enough."
Rubiales has undoubtedly taken the limelight away from a team that should be celebrating the greatest moment of their careers, and it looks like this story isn't going to die down for quite a while yet.
