Spanish Football Chief Luis Rubiales Jokes About Kissing Jennifer Hermoso After Women’s World Cup Final
The Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has made light of the controversy that has overshadowed the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony after he was seen kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the lips.
La Roja dominated Sunday’s final against England with Olga Carmona’s excellent first-half strike securing a 1-0 victory, though in truth Spain could have won the contest by a far wider margin.
Controversy Surrounding Manager Jorge Vilda
Their achievement was all the more remarkable due to the controversy that has surrounded manager Jorge Vilda, who was ignored by many of the players when they celebrated the victory at full-time.
The Spanish FA’s handling of the situation has also been criticised and Rubiales made more unwanted headlines with his behaviour during the trophy presentation.
Rubiales’ Unwanted Headlines
He was a little too familiar with many of the players as they accepted their medals, hugging them, kissing them on the cheek and even lifting some players off the ground – though it was his embrace with Hermoso that really raised eyebrows.
After sharing a hug, Rubiales grabbed the 33-year-old Pachuca forward by the head and then planted a kiss on her lips.
Rubiales’ action caused a massive backlash on social media while Hermoso herself did not appear too happy afterwards, saying in an Instagram live from the dressing room: ‘Eh, but I didn’t like it.’
Rubiales’ Attempted Joke
Barcelona’s teenage forward Salma Paralluelo also filmed the celebrations from inside the victorious dressing room and captured Rubiales’ rather unconcerned reaction to the furore he had created.
The Spanish players were trying to convince Rubiales to reward them with a holiday for winning the World Cup and he finally relented, saying they would go to Ibiza.
As the players started chanting ‘Ibiza! Ibiza!’ Rubiales then made reference to his kiss with Hermoso, saying to the squad: ‘In Ibiza we will celebrate the wedding of Jenni and Luis Rubiales.’
The RFEF president burst out laughing as he said it and started clapping, while Hermoso herself laughed, but the attempted joke seemed to land a little flat with many of the players groaning collectively.
Rubiales Takes Aim at Revolting Players
After the win over England, Rubiales also appeared to take aim at the 12 players who revolted against Vilda and refused to play under him, and who were not included in the squad that enjoyed such success Down Under.
‘It is often said that it takes a little time to realise an achievement like this, but I am perfectly aware,’ he told reporters after the match.
‘We have worked very hard, although there were people who did not want to let us work. I think we have to learn in Spain to value positive things. To let people do their job.
‘That small percentage of people who were constantly frustrated and resentful must learn that you have to let people work.’
Conclusion
Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been heavily criticised for his behaviour during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. His kiss with Jennifer Hermoso caused a massive backlash on social media, while his attempted joke about their ‘wedding’ fell flat with many of the players. Rubiales also appeared to take aim at the 12 players who revolted against Vilda and refused to play under him, and who were not included in the squad that enjoyed such success Down Under.
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