In a recent revelation, Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish Football Association chief, made a statement emphasizing that his kiss to Jennifer Hermoso resembled the way he would kiss one of his daughters.
The controversial kiss, which took place after Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney last month, stirred up reactions globally, with demands for his resignation and public apologies from football authorities and figures.
FIFA reacted by imposing a 90-day suspension and proposed a longer ban, while the Spanish FA issued a public apology for Rubiales’s behavior.
Eventually, Rubiales announced his resignation from the position. However, in an interview set to air on Tuesday night, he maintained that his intent was not malicious.
In his conversation with Piers Morgan, Rubiales defended his actions: “There was no harm, no sexual content, no aggression, nothing like that. The significance of the kiss…would have been exactly the same as a kiss to one of my daughters.”
He further emphasized, “Under no circumstance was there any aggression and under no circumstance was there any sexual content.”
Rubiales also described the kiss as ‘a very happy moment, a celebration, a euphoric moment’, but admitted that he should have acted more solemnly and diplomatically.” Hermoso has filed a formal complaint, and a criminal investigation may ensue, though Rubiales remains confident that the truth will prevail.
He added, “I have full faith that the truth will come out and everything will be fine. Take a look at my face, I am a good guy.”
Rubiales also shared how he made the decision to resign after consulting with his daughters and friends, all advising him to prioritize his dignity and move forward with his life. “In this situation now, this is the thing that I have to do,” he said.
“Some friends very close to me said, ‘Luis, you have to focus on your dignity and to continue your life because if not you are going to damage the people you love and the sport you love.”
