Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said the forced kiss of Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales on player Jenni Hermoso after the World Cup final is not “worthy of a federation president”. “It is a very delicate subject. But like the majority of people, it’s a behavior that I obviously didn’t like, ”declared the Real coach at a press conference about this controversial kiss. “It was not behavior worthy of a president of a federation.”
Asked about a possible resignation of the president of the Spanish federation, Carlo Ancelotti did not wish to comment. “I do not enter this debate. I believe that there are authorities which will decide on that ”, replied the Italian technician. “I don’t know if he will resign or not, but I believe that the authorities will take the most appropriate decision.”
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) called an emergency meeting on Friday and opened an investigation into the incident. Midfielder Jenni Hermoso released a joint statement on Wednesday with her players’ union, Futpro, calling for action against the president.
Luis Rubiales first attacked his detractors when the controversy erupted on social media on Sunday, before finally apologizing in a video.
Apologies “not sufficient” according to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, nor for Liga F, the Spanish women’s football league, which demanded the dismissal of Rubiales.
The coach of Celta Vigo, next opponent of Real Madrid on Friday, Rafael Benitez, also expressed himself in the same direction on the case. “We all agree that we saw behavior that was not correct,” assured the former Liverpool manager.