SPAIN FA chief Luis Rubiales has found himself at the centre of controversy once again after entering the Spanish women’s team dressing room.
Rubiales was widely criticised for grabbing and kissing Jenni Hermoso after Spain beat England 1-0 in Sunday’s final.
Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales was seen in the dressing room of the women’s team
While there he declared he would pay for a trip to Ibiza and vowed to marry Jenni Hermoso
The declaration was from Salma Paralluelo’s Instagram Live
And after Hermoso revealed “Yeah, I did not enjoy that,” Rubiales was seen in the team’s dressing room following their historic triumph.
In a video from the Instagram Live of Young Player of the Tournament Salma Paralluelo, Rubiales can be seen addressing the squad.
The 45-year-old then tells them the FA will pay for a trip to Ibiza.
He then declares he will marry Hermoso there.
Although, the Spanish squad appear to be happy at the declaration, and can be heard chanting “Ibiza, Ibiza, Ibiza”.
As per European football journalist Colin Millar, Rubiales defended his kiss on Spanish radio, describing the incident as “two people showing each other a minor show of affection”.
Meanwhile, a statement from the Spanish FA on behalf of Hermoso said: “This was a totally spontaneous and mutual gesture due to the immense joy that winning the World Cup gave us.
“The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with everyone has been excellent and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.
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“We have won a World Cup and we are not going to lose sight of what is important.”
He has also drawn ire for backing controversial manager Jorge Vilda.
The Spain boss reportedly banned players from locking their hotel rooms before midnight in 2019, as he wanted to carry out room checks.
He was also accused of forcing players to reveal the contents of their bags at training, while treating players like “children”.
Fifteen players boycotted the Spain team in protest at Vilda last year.
Only three returned for this summer’s tournament Down Under.
Vilda remains unpopular despite Spain’s tournament win, being awkwardly snubbed by players amid the celebrations.
He was also booed while receiving his medal.
The 42-year-old has been continuously backed by Rubiales, who called him “world class”, despite concerns from players over the culture within the Spain team.