Spanish acting PM says FA chief’s apologies for kiss are ‘not enough’

Pedro Sánchez says Luis Rubiales gesture towards Jenni Hermoso shows Spain has a long way to go on equality and women’s rights.

Jenni Hermoso (10 Spain) is kissed by president of the RFEF Luis Rubiales during the FIFA Womens World Cup 2023 Final football match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Screenshot

Spain’s acting prime minister has added his voice to those criticising the kiss planted on the professional player Jenni Hermoso by the country’s head of football, describing it as “unacceptable”, as the body that oversees sport in Spain was urged to act.

As Spain’s women celebrated their World Cup win over England on Sunday, cameras broadcasting the medal ceremony showed Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, grabbing Hermoso by the head and pulling her towards him for a kiss on the lips.