From the fans to the political sphere: the decision of the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, to kiss footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the celebration of the women’s World Cup win has sparked endless criticism for a gesture that, according to experts consulted by EFE, would only be punishable if it lacks consent.
This view is underpinned by the “only yes means yes” law, which considers any sexual act without consent – without the need for force or violence – to be an assault, a key point in this case, which would not be a criminal offence unless the player states that the kiss was not consensual.
However, beyond this debate, ministers such as the Minister of Equality, Irene Montero, and the Minister of Culture and Sport, Miquel Iceta, have demanded explanations and apologies from Rubiales, while Sumar has called for the resignation of the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
The latest to add to the reactions is Iker Casillas, who posed a question in an ironic manner: “Let’s see if I can find out: so has anyone resigned or not? I’m at a loss…”
The former international goalkeeper considered running against Rubiales in the elections for the RFEF presidency in 2020 but in the end ended up not presenting his candidacy.
Casillas himself was once caught up in a similar controversy after winning the 2010 World Cup when he grabbed Sara Carbonero by the neck after an interview and planted a kiss on her mouth. The then Telecinco journalist was his partner at the time, but was not comfortable with the goalkeeper’s gesture as she was working on a live link-up in front of millions of viewers.
“It was an impulsive act, of the moment, we were living in a ‘Big Brother’-like bubble, but now we are ashamed to see it,” said Iker in a chapter of the documentary ‘Colgar las alas’ that Movistar+ broadcasted about his career and his retirement.