On Tuesday, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, testified in a Madrid court regarding a kiss he shared with a female player at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. The kiss was caught on camera and sparked controversy in Spain, with many questioning Rubiales’ conduct.
The incident occurred during a post-match celebration after Spain’s win against South Africa in the round of 16. Rubiales was seen embracing and kissing one of the players, Jennifer Hermoso. The moment was captured by photographers and quickly spread on social media, leading to criticism of Rubiales for his behavior.
In his testimony, Rubiales defended his actions, saying that he was simply congratulating Hermoso for her performance. He also noted that he had kissed other players in the past and that it was not an inappropriate gesture. He further stated that he had apologized to Hermoso for any misunderstanding that may have been caused by the kiss.
The court is expected to rule on the case in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Rubiales has continued to defend his actions, saying that he was simply trying to show his appreciation for Hermoso’s performance. He has also noted that he has received support from many people in Spain, including the players themselves.
The incident has sparked debate in Spain about appropriate behavior between men and women in sports. While some have argued that Rubiales’ actions were inappropriate, others have defended him, saying that it was a simple gesture of appreciation.
Regardless of the court’s ruling, it is clear that the incident has raised important questions about gender dynamics in sports. It is hoped that this case will lead to further discussion about how we can ensure that all athletes are treated with respect and dignity.
