Jennifer Hermoso, a Spanish football player, stated that she did not consent to a kiss with Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The remark came as the federation faced a surge of scrutiny following the team’s success.
Spain secured a 1-0 victory over England in the World Cup final played in Australia and New Zealand, marking a historic achievement as the nation’s first World Cup win in women’s football.
During the award ceremony that followed the triumph, Rubiales embraced Hermoso and kissed her on the lips. The gesture drew sharp criticism from journalists and fans who saw it as inappropriate given the celebratory context and the power dynamic involved.
On August 25, the women’s national team players publicly condemned Rubiales’s actions. They indicated they would withhold participation in the national team until a leadership change was made. A letter signed by 53 players demanded accountability and a clear response from authorities and governing bodies.
Earlier reports indicated that the Spanish public prosecutor’s office launched an investigation related to allegations of harassment connected to the head of the federation, prompting broader questions about governance and conduct within the federation. The evolving situation prompted widespread debate about leadership, consent, and the treatment of athletes at the highest levels of the sport.