Criticism is mounting on Royal Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales after his apology for forcibly kissing Jennifer Hermoso as the team collected their winner’s medals at the Women’s World Cup failed to convince.
The strongest condemnation yet of Rubiales came from Spain’s acting second deputy minister Yolanda Diaz, who said the event earned “our most resounding condemnation,” per ESPN. “Nothing more and nothing less, a woman has been harassed and assaulted. [Rubiales’] excuses are useless. What we ask is for the sports law to be applied and for the Sport’s federation protocols to be activated. This person should resign.”
Diaz is one of several government officials in Spain who have criticized Rubiales, including acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez. “It shows that in our country there’s a long way to go in terms of equality and respect between men and women,” Sanchez said Tuesday. “What we saw was an unacceptable gesture. I think the apology Mr. Rubiales has given wasn’t sufficient, I’d say it wasn’t adequate, and Mr. Rubiales should keep taking further steps.”
The controversy comes amidst the ongoing protest against the federation and head coach Jorge Vilda for fostering an unprofessional…
