Women’s World Cup: Spain’s FA chief Luis Rubiales says sorry after kissing Jennifer Hermoso on the lips following victory

The head of Spain’s soccer federation has apologised after kissing a participant on the lips following their Women’s World Cup victory.

Luis Rubiales confronted a backlash for his behaviour in the direction of Jennifer Hermoso, who later mentioned she “did not enjoy” it.

The 45-year-old had additionally grabbed his crotch in a victory gesture, seemingly oblivious to 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofia stood shut by.

Following criticism from the Spanish authorities, Mr Rubiales acknowledged he had “surely made a mistake” whereas in “a moment of maximum effusiveness”.

In a video launched on Monday, he mentioned: “We noticed it as one thing regular, pure and never in any means in unhealthy religion. But exterior plainly a commotion has been created.

“When you are president of an institution as important as the federation, you have to be more careful.”

The controversy has overshadowed Spain’s 1-0 win over England.

Equality minister Irene Montero wrote on social media: “It is a form of sexual violence that women suffer on a daily basis, and which has been invisible so far, and which we should not normalise.”

In an Instagram video filmed within the dressing room after the incident, gamers had been seen screaming and laughing whereas watching the kiss being replayed on a cellphone – with Hermoso exclaiming: “But I didn’t like it!”

Later within the night, the nation’s all-time file goalscorer instructed the AFP news company: “It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings.

“The president and I’ve a terrific relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been excellent and it was a pure gesture of affection and gratitude.”

Sky Sports News has contacted the Spanish FA for remark.

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Hermoso began towards England within the World Cup closing in Sydney, however was denied the prospect to get on the scoresheet after her penalty was stopped by Lioness keeper Mary Earps.

Spain are flying again to Madrid victorious after they clinched the Women’s World Cup for the primary time ever – with Olga Carmona’s first-half purpose proving an excessive amount of for England.

The Lionesses have also begun their journey back to London, with footage on-line exhibiting the staff being clapped on to their airplane on the airport.