Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez calls football chief Luis Rubiales' apology 'insufficient'

As the furore against Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales kiss to Spain's midfielder Jenni Hermoso gathers steam, the country's acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has termed the football chief's apologies as 'not sufficient'.

Speaking at the presidential palace on August 22, Sanchez said on Rubiales' gesture, 'What we saw is unacceptable and the apologies offered by Mr. Rubiales are not sufficient, I would call them inappropriate, so he must continue taking further steps to clarify what we all saw.'

After massive outcry from the football community as well as ministers in Spain, Luis Rubiales issued a video apology on August 21.

He stated that though they viewed it as something natural, it has caused a stir in the world and he has no choice but to apologise.

Jenni Hermoso, the player, had seemingly defended and downplayed Rubiales' action in a Federation statement saying that it was mutual and not a big deal.

However, Hermoso had also stated during an Instagram livestream that 'she didn't like it (the kiss).

Rubiales had grabbed Hermoso's face and kissed her on the lips during the medal ceremony after Spain won the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 on August 20.

Also Watch: Spanish football chief apologises after outrage over his 'kiss' to female player | Women's World Cup 2023