Luis Rubiales apologises for kissing Jenni Hermoso after Women’s World Cup final

Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales has issued an apology for his World Cup celebration where he kissed Jenni Hermoso.

Spain beat England 1-0 in the women’s final on Sunday and during the presentation ceremony, Rubiales could be seen kissing the country’s record scorer Hermoso on the lips.

He was seen kissing Hermoso on the lips and received a lot of criticism for doing soTWITTER:@SHESCORESBANGERS

He has now apologised for what he did.

In a video address on Monday, he said: “There is something I regret, and it was what happened between me and a player, with whom I have a fantastic relationship, just like with the others, where I have certainly made a mistake. I have to admit it.

“In that moment of absolute exultation, without any bad intentions or bad faith, well… that happened. I believe it happened in a very spontaneous way, which I repeat had no bad intentions from either side.

“From that point on, it wasn’t interpreted that way as we carried on as normal, naturally, and again with no ill will between us.

“But outside of that it seems like it has caused a commotion as it seemed to do damage, so I want to apologise for it, I don’t ask for anything else.”

Hermoso played down the encounter despite first saying she didn’t enjoy it.

“It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings,” she was quoted saying.

“The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.”

Rubiales has apologised for his actions on SundayGetty

He was also spotted kissing goal scorer Olga Carmona – who was told after the game that her father had sadly died – on the cheek after full-time.

Spain’s win, and subsequently their first Women’s World Cup title, was just England’s second defeat under coach Sarina Wiegman.

The Lionesses were superb against co-hosts Australia in the semi-final but couldn’t produce the goods in the final.

It was therefore Spain who lifted the trophy at the Stadium Australia, ending the USA’s eight-year reign as world champions.