Luis Rubiales, the head of Spain’s soccer federation, is under fire for kissing midfielder Jennifer Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s World Cup win Sunday. The incident sparked outrage at home and abroad, with many branding Rubiales sexually inappropriate and calling for him to resign.
The kiss came during the post-match ceremony in Sydney, when Spain’s players lined up to receive their gold medals following their 1-0 win over England. Video footage shows Hermoso and Rubiales embracing onstage before he places both hands on her head and pulls her toward him for a kiss.
In an Instagram Live video that showed Spanish players celebrating after the game, Hermoso said that she “didn’t like” the unexpected kiss and admitted she was unsure how to react.