Spain's acting prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has condemned the Spanish soccer federation president, Luis Rubiales, for kissing a player on the lips without her consent. The incident occurred during the medal ceremony after Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup final against England.

Sánchez called the behavior "unacceptable" and criticized Rubiales' inadequate apologies. The Spanish soccer federation has announced an emergency meeting to address the incidents during the awards ceremony.

This guy kissing Jennifer Hermoso is apparently the head of Spain's soccer federation,

Now that she has come out to say that the kiss was uncomfortable, he should just resign Because they will take shovel dig six feet and put him under. pic.twitter.com/teMwWx7ycd

— 🐯🅰🅶🆄 (@rioagu01) August 21, 2023

The forced kiss has sparked outrage both in Spain and abroad, with Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz calling for Rubiales' resignation and the country's equality minister labeling it as a sexual assault. Rubiales has faced further criticism for making a victory gesture, grabbing his crotch, in the presence of 16-year-old Princess Infanta Sofía and Queen Letizia of Spain.

The incident has been denounced by the country's leading opposition party, and Spain's players union has called for action against Rubiales if he does not step down. The president of Spain's national school for soccer coaches and a left-wing political party have also filed formal complaints against Rubiales.

Inspired by Spain's success in the Women's World Cup, Sánchez praised the team and emphasized the importance of gender equality and women's rights. The team members will be awarded Spain's golden medal of sports achievement. Meanwhile, Rubiales, who is promoting a joint bid by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco to host the men's World Cup in 2030, is expected to face further scrutiny regarding his conduct at the final.