Spain’s acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has criticized Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales for his behavior during the Women’s World Cup victory celebration, saying it is “unacceptable” that Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for Rubiales to resign.
Sanchez, who praised the team during an audience at the presidential palace, later joined the growing criticism of Rubiales, saying that the apologies offered were not sufficient and that Rubiales must take further steps to clarify what happened. Gender equality and women’s rights are cornerstones of Sanchez’s government, and the episode has tarnished the team’s World Cup triumph.
Rubiales, who has been the federation’s president since 2018, has been under fire for his behavior throughout the tournament. During the medal ceremony, he also grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture, which some have likened to sexual aggression. The country’s equality minister said the kiss was an act of “sexual assault,” and under a new sexual violence law, it could potentially be pursued as a crime.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (Via Pedro Sanchez/Twitter)
Pressure is building on Rubiales to resign, with the country’s leading opposition party and the players’ union denouncing his behavior. The union has called for Spain’s Higher Council for Sports to act against Rubiales if he does not step down, citing Spain’s sports law that sanctions acts that “damage the dignity” of someone or “creates an atmosphere of intimidation” based on unwanted conduct related to gender or race.
Rubiales has apologized for his actions, but many have deemed the apology insufficient. The country’s deputy prime minister, Yolanda Diaz, has called for his resignation, saying that he “has harassed and assaulted” a woman. The president of Spain’s national school for soccer coaches has also filed a formal complaint against Rubiales with the Higher Council for Sports.
Sanchez has praised the team’s achievement and has said that the players will be awarded Spain’s golden medal of sports achievement. However, the controversy surrounding Rubiales has overshadowed the team’s historic victory.
