Luis Rubiales defends his actions towards Jenni Hermoso, claims his intentions were ‘noble’

Luis Rubiales has refused to apologize to Jenni Hermoso, revealing it in an interview with Piers Morgan and calling his actions noble.

Luis Rubiales defends his actions towards Jenni Hermoso, claims his intentions were ‘noble’

Luis Rubiales and Piers Morgan (Source: via Instagram/ @piersmorgan)

Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales refuses to apologize to Jenni Hermoso for the kiss that occurred during the Women’s World Cup. In an interview with Piers Morgan, Rubiales defended himself, claiming, “It was a mutual act”. The 46-year-old has come under fire for her actions towards Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony as Spain lifted the World Cup.

The two were seen sharing a kiss on stage. However, it was later revealed that the Spanish footballer did not like the kiss and stated that it was non-consensual. Since then, a snowball effect has taken place. Former and current Spanish players have come out in support of women. A plethora of people have come out against Rubiales, forcing him to resign.

YouTube video

The RFEF backed Rubiales’ actions and filed a legal complaint against Jenni Hermoso. Due to this, FIFA had to intervene, as they believed that the RFEF was not handling the situation with the right response. Luis Rubiales defends his actions to this day, even after being sanctioned by FIFA.

“My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100% non-sexual, 100%, I repeat, 100%,” he stated. He likened the event to winning the lottery, and in a spur of emotion, was unable to control himself. “You can imagine if you win the lottery…I mean celebrations will go on. People don’t ask permissions, it’s just a happy, happy time and people celebrate,” he added.

Rubiales kept repeating that the kiss was non-sexual in nature and was one of pure elation at the moment. The 46-year-old refuses to apologize for his actions. He revealed his intention to resign, stating he could no longer work after all the events that have transpired.

Related: Premier League club Everton close to being sold to Miami-based 777 Partners

What events led up to the controversial kiss?

Jenni Hermoso, Luis Rubiales
Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales (Source: via Reuters)

Spain had never lifted the Women’s World Cup. Only a little more than a decade earlier had the men’s team lifted their own division’s FIFA World Cup. So when the final whistle was blown, Spain was in jubilation as they became the World Cup winners. The team had earlier lost many players due to the Jorge Vilda controversy.

However, the team still managed to win the trophy against all odds. The Spanish Royal Family was applauding the achievement in the stands. However, one man took it a bit too far. Spanish FA President Luis Rubiales was seen grabbing his ‘crotch’ as the team won the game.

Rubiales was standing close to Leonor, Princess of Asturias, who was only 17 at the time this event took place. When the FA President went down to be part of the medal ceremony, he embraced each player as they came to receive their medals. When it was Jenni Hermoso’s turn, he had other ideas.

Luis Rubiales’ actions were deemed inappropriate, especially in a situation where the world is watching. Rubiales was there as a representative of Spanish football and his actions caused reputational damage. He has since apologized for grabbing his crotch but refuses to do so for the kiss.

In case you missed it: