Spanish Football Federation President, Luis Rubiales has defended his actions, absolving himself of any wrongdoing in his latest statement over the kissing row he is currently entangled in with footballer Jennifer Hermoso.
Rubiales has been accused of inappropriately kissing Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final on August 20 in Sydney.
Global Backlash has followed since Hermoso revealed she did not consent to Rubiales kissing her and calls have grown for the football administrator to step down from his position which he has so far refused to do even as global governing body FIFA has indefinitely suspended him from all football-related activities while carrying out an investigation into the matter.
Rubiales has largely remained silent on the matter but issued a new statement on Friday where he appeared to apologise for his actions but still proved his innocence, claiming Hermoso consented to the kiss, a total contrast to the Pachuca player’s claims.
“On August 20, I made some obvious mistakes, which I regret sincerely, from the heart. It is true that for such errors I have asked for forgiveness because it was fair; and now I do it again with humility. I do it convinced and with the purpose of improving,” Rubiales said in his latest statement.
“I have learned that no matter how great the joy is and deep the emotion, including a World Cup win, sports leaders should be required to exhibit exemplary behavior, and mine was not.
“Therefore, I reiterate, once again, my apologies for this to the footballers, the federation and other football entities in a clear, emphatic and unmitigated manner. Also to football fans and to all those who may have been offended by my actions.
“I also gave the corresponding explanations, telling the truth of what happened. It’s my only version, the one that I’ve maintained from the beginning and I continue to defend and I am not going to modify.
“The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm. At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both.
“I repeat: with the consent of both parties, both with affectionate hugs, as well as the kiss and subsequent parting thereafter full of affectionate mutual gestures, which occurred in the medal ceremony on stage.
“I am especially concerned that some of those who should proclaim and help guarantee the separation of powers in our country, insist on taking part and putting pressure on me, instead of letting justice act with all the guarantees, staying uninvolved.
“Throughout this period I have suffered an unprecedented political and media lynching from which I have remained completely on the fringes. Not only nationally but globally. Despite this, I have also felt the growing support of people on the street and on social media.
“I feel that something has changed and in the face of such spurious injustice and public judgment, ordinary citizens, women and men alike, have come together. I want to thank you here and now.
“I’ll continue to defend myself to prove the truth. I want to send a message to all the good people in our country and beyond our borders, including those women who’ve really been abused, and who have my full support and understanding: this isn’t about gender, it’s about the truth.
“In the name of Feminism, it must not be about trying to sink a man – or a woman – without a fair trial. Equality is about identical rights for everyone. Justice must be applied to people without the gender having an impact on the result.”
Earlier on Friday, Spain men’s national team, Luis de la Fuente apologised for applauding Rubiales for refusing to resign last week. De la Fuente received criticism and has now asked for forgiveness.
“In the face of the social, media and political repercussions of my applause during last Friday’s assembly, I want to use this moment and my place as national men’s coach to explain the situation,” De la Fuente said.
“I have received criticism for it, harsh criticism for it. Do you know what I think of these critics? That they are entirely deserved, that I am sorry, that I understand them and I ask for forgiveness for it.
“Those that know me know that these gestures do not represent my values, nor my way of thinking nor my way of behaving in life. I always have been and will be on the side of equality and respect.”
