Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales filmed kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips after World Cup win
The president of the Spanish FA has courted major controversy after being filmed kissing a player on the lips after the nation's World Cup win.
La Roja beat England 1-0 to become world champions at Stadium Australia, with captain Olga Carmona scoring the only goal of the game.
Spain's triumph replicates the heroics from the men's team back in 2010 but comes after the team was in disarray amid a boycott from players who took issue with the federation and manager Jorge Vilda.
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It was euphoria in Sydney but there was an uncomfortable moment in the celebrations involving Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales.
The 45-year-old embraced several players on the stage ahead of the official trophy presentation after medals were handed.
Lo del presidente de la Federación de España Luis Rubiales en la final del Mundial es IMPRESENTABLE!!.
— 🏳️🌈Claudya Carolina🏳️🌈 (@ClaudyaCarolina) August 20, 2023
Le plantó un beso en la boca a Jenni Hermoso y tocó excesivamente a las jugadoras. pic.twitter.com/xXq9JPf73T
But after hugging CF Pachuca's Jenni Hermoso, who saw a penalty saved by Mary Earps, Rubiales grabbed her by the head and kissed the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player on the lips.
Many fans were disgusted by the scenes and Hermoso herself told Spanish TV, "Eh...yeah, I did not enjoy that."
Hermoso was nevertheless overcome with emotion after the historic win, telling RTVE: "It’s the best feeling of my life. We dedicate it to all our families and the people in Spain, because we have played football the way we wanted to.
“We have won a World Cup — we are f****** world champions!” We have played the football as we wanted but I still think we are not aware of what we have achieved.”
😭 Pero no nos hagas llorar, Jenni.
— Teledeporte (@teledeporte) August 20, 2023
La emoción de Jenni Hermoso tras ganar el Mundial pone los pelos de punta. #Legendarias pic.twitter.com/6FI9JAfutm
Another controversial moment in the medal ceremony saw England right-back Lucy Bronze involved in an extremely awkward exchange with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The Barcelona defender gave a limp handshake to the 53-year-old after collecting her runners up medal and did not appear to give any eye contact until she was faced with other delegates.
Infantino had caused a stir with comments made about women's football, saying women have "the power to convince us men".
Topics: Spain, England, Womens World Cup
Josh Lawless