Jennifer Hermoso has released a statement downplaying Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales’ kiss during the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony, describing it as a ‘natural expression of affection’.
Rubiales, 45, received a huge amount of criticism for his overly familiar conduct with Spain’s players as they collected their winners’ medals, hugging and kissing every player on the cheek.
When Hermoso made her way along the line-up of dignitaries and embraced the Spanish FA president, he grabbed her by the head and kissed her on the lips.
Rubiales’ actions prompted a huge backlash on social media while the player herself said she ‘didn’t like it’ during an Instagram live from the dressing room afterwards.
The Spanish chief prompted even more criticism when he then made light of his actions, telling the players that a trip to Ibiza – a reward for winning the World Cup – would also be a chance to ‘celebrate the wedding of Jenni and Luis Rubiales’.
In an effort to quell the furore that has been created, Hermoso has now released a statement to Spanish press downplaying the kiss and says Rubiales shares an excellent relationship with the squad.
‘It was a completely spontaneous mutual gesture due to the immense joy of winning a World Cup,’ said Hermoso several hours after her rather different comments on the Instagram live.
‘The president and I have a great relationship; his behaviour towards all of us has been exemplary, and it was a natural expression of affection and gratitude.
‘There’s no need to overanalyse a gesture of friendship and gratitude; we’ve won a World Cup, and we won’t stray from what’s important.’
Spain’s World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by a dispute between the players and their manager, Jorge Vilda, with 15 players writing a letter to the Spanish FA earlier this year saying they would not play under him.
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But the RFEF – and president Rubiales – stuck by Vilda, with 12 of those rebels, which includes some of the best players in Europe, missing the tournament as a result.
Rubiales appeared to aim a dig at them afterwards, saying: ‘We have worked very hard, although there were people who did not want to let us work. I think we have to learn in Spain to value positive things. To let people do their job.
‘That small percentage of people who were constantly frustrated and resentful must learn that you have to let people work.’
Spain’s World Cup win was further overshadowed by the sad news that Olga Carmona, who scored the winning goal against England, had been informed of the death of her father following the match.
MORE : Spain’s World Cup hero Olga Carmona finds out her father died before the final
MORE : Spanish football chief makes joke about kissing Jennifer Hermoso after World Cup final
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