Angry reaction after Spanish soccer leader kissed a Women’s World Cup star on the mouth

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Ivana Andres and Luis Rubiales during the reception of the Spain Women Team as World Champions after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport on august 21, 2023, in Madrid, Spain.
Angel Perez Meca / Afp7
21/08/2023 ONLY FOR USE IN SPAIN

The leader of Spain’s soccer federation marred the country’s Women’s World Cup victory after kissing a player on the lips during the medal ceremony, drawing criticism for inappropriate conduct in a sport that has struggled to overcome sexism.

The Spanish government and the world players’ union condemned the behavior of Luis Rubiales on Monday, a day after Spain’s 1-0 win over England. The soccer federation led by Rubiales sought to downplay the incident through a statement it attributed to the player he kissed, then later released a video in which Rubiales apologized.

Immediately after Spain’s victory, Rubiales grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture — seemingly oblivious to 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofía standing nearby. He later kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal and trophy ceremony on the field, drawing unwanted attention away from the celebration and souring the country’s biggest day for women’s soccer.