Sexual harassment? Whirl to kiss for world champion from association boss

“It was a very spontaneous mutual gesture because of the great joy of winning a World Cup,” she shared. One should “not pay too much attention to this gesture of friendship and gratitude”.

Hermoso’s statement was sent to some media by the Spanish federation RFEF late Sunday evening and was published by the Europa Press news agency, among others. In it, the 33-year-old forward for Mexican club Pachuca added: “The President and I have a great relationship. His behavior towards all of us was excellent and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.” The Spaniards “won’t let that distract them from what’s important,” stressed Hermoso. Immediately after the game, she said of Rubiales’ kiss: “I didn’t like it.”

Spain’s Equal Opportunities Minister Irene Montero found clear words on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s a form of sexual violence that we women suffer every day and that has been invisible up to now and that we are not allowed to normalize,” explained the 35-year-old politician. This is a task for society as a whole. “The focus is on approval. Only a yes is a yes,” the minister clarified.

The Spanish Minister for Social Rights, Ione Belarra, wrote on X: “We all think: If they do this in front of the whole of Spain, what will they not do in private? Sexual violence against women must end.”

Rubiales hugged and hugged the Spanish players at the ceremony following Sunday’s 1-0 win over England in Sydney. Videos on social networks showed how the association boss Hermoso also kissed on the mouth after a hug and a kiss on the cheek.