RFEF president sparks outrage for 'forcibly kissing' 2023 Women's World Cup winner right from podium

In a sacred moment for the Spanish women's team, the RFEF president's "forced kissing" on the podium caused fierce controversy.

Yesterday (August 20), the Spanish women's team brilliantly beat England 1-0 in the 2023 World Cup final. Defender Olga Carmona scored the only goal to bring a historic championship to the team in the land of Bulls.

It is understandable the feeling of happiness of the whole Spanish team. Officials from the country's Football Federation (RFEF) are also excited. Rubiales, president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was on stage at FIFA's awards ceremony after the 2023 Women's World Cup final on August 20 along with other officials, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Spain's Queen Letizia and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

However, at a time when everyone was intoxicated with the championship, RFEF President Luis Rubiales had a controversial moment.

On the podium, Luis Rubiales hugged several players on stage ahead of the trophy ceremony. Not stopping there, the head of Spanish football also pulled his head and kissed the lips of striker Jenni Hermoso. The RFEF president then patted the back as the No. 11 player left.

"The moment the female players passed by at the podium, Rubiales greeted the world champions one by one with warm hugs and kisses. In some cases, he overdid it.

The most controversial case is that Rubiales hugged and kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips. The two then looked very relaxed and laughed happily. This moment surprised many live TV watchers around the world. Many social media users have to question what just happened," Marca commented.

Luis Rubiales' actions were met with fierce opposition from fans. Many argue that he should keep the demeanor of officials. Many have even demanded the resignation of Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales seems to be romantically involved with Hermoso. In winger Salma Paralluelo's Instagram live video, Rubiales walked into the dressing room after the final and told the Spanish players that the RFEF would cover the trip to Ibiza in full. Luis Rubiales has not deemed his actions wrong despite fierce criticism. He continued to joke in a livestream video on Salma Paralluelo's Instagram page. Luis Rubiales said: "In Ibiza, we will have a wedding ceremony for Jenni (Hermoso) and Luis Rubiales."

CNN has reached out to Hermoso's representatives and RFEF members in Australia about the incident, but has not received a response. However, in an Instagram live video, when asked about the RFEF President's kiss, Hermoso said "I don't like it."

But on Radio Marca, Rubiales said it was just "two people showing affection in a gentle way" and not caring about "fools", referring to those outraged by his behaviour. "We are champions and that's what I'm interested in," the RFEF president added.

After the celebration, Jenni Hermoso changed her attitude. She spoke up to calm the situation. The striker said: "It was a gesture of joy for the whole Spanish team after winning the World Cup.

The President and I have a good relationship. His behavior was not beyond the norm. It is a natural gesture, showing normal affection. We are enjoying the championship atmosphere and don't want such information to disturb us."

El Confidencial journalist Alberto Ortega criticized Rubiales for wanting to be the center of attention and that kissing Hermoso on the lips was "disgusting". Daily Mirror reporter Colin Millar insisted the RFEF chairman's behaviour was "not OK".

In addition to Hermoso, Rubiales also celebrated excessively with many others, such as kissing some players on the cheek or hugging some players when receiving medals. He then joined in the celebrations with a group of members of the national team, then kissed Olga Carmona on the cheek, who scored the only goal in the final against England.

Jenni Hermoso and her teammates wrote history by winning the 2023 Women's World Cup with a 1-0 win over England. This was the first World Cup win in Spanish women's football. Spain became the second country to win the men's and women's football World Cups, having previously won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Germany is the first country to accomplish the above feat, the German men's team has won the World Cup 4 times and the German women's team has been crowned twice. Germany is also the only country to win both the World Cup and the Euros in the men's and women's teams.

Rubiales is a former Atletico youth player who won the Spanish Second Division with Levante in 2004 and was promoted to La Liga.

After retiring in 2009, Rubiales was elected President of the Spanish Players' Association and elected President of the RFEF in May 2018. One of Rubiales' first big decisions was to sack coach Julen Lopetegui just before Spain qualified for the 2018 World Cup, due to the coach surreptitiously reaching an agreement to lead Real Madrid.