Source:REUTERS/FORTA
[Saba Sports News] Former Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales recently revisited the controversial “kiss gate” incident from 2023, following the Spanish women’s national team’s World Cup victory. During the celebrations, then-president Rubiales unexpectedly kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips. The act sparked major controversy, with Hermoso stating it was an unwelcome violation. Rubiales was subsequently forced to resign as president of the Spanish Football Federation. In the interview, Rubiales acknowledged the kiss was inappropriate and apologized for his “institutional mistake” and lapse in etiquette. However, he insisted the kiss was merely an expression of post-victory joy, carried no sexual connotation, and that he would not apologize to Jenni. The editor believes that, regardless of whether the kiss was consensual, his position as a superior in the industry performing such an intimate physical act publicly on a subordinate inherently crosses a power boundary. Public outrage over this incident largely stems from resentment towards such transgressive behavior under conditions of power imbalance.