Spain's football coach apologizes for encouraging inflammatory speech by Luis Rubiales

On Friday, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente apologized for complimenting football federation president Luis Rubiales' statement in which he expressed his intention not to resign.

The apology followed widespread criticism over Rubiales' uninvited kiss on Women's World Cup player Jenni Hermoso's lips last week.

"I have to say sorry, I made a mistake, it's inexcusable," De la Fuente said at a press conference, adding that he would not resign.

Rubiales, 46, sparked outrage across the world when he forcibly kissed Spain player Hermoso on the cheek during the Women's World Cup medal ceremony in Sydney on August 20.

The president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF) incited even more indignation during an emergency meeting, refusing to quit in the face of mounting criticism and instead railing against "false feminism," which De la Fuente applauded.

Despite Rubiales' assurance that the kiss was consensual, Hermoso stated that she felt like a "victim of an assault."

FIFA, the organization in charge of international football, suspended Rubiales for 90 days, and De la Fuente replied in a statement by criticizing the president.

According to some critics, including Yolanda Diaz, Spain's second deputy prime minister, De la Fuente's position was untenable.

"I received harsh criticism for (applauding), and I believe it was completely justified; I understand it; I apologize; it was unjustifiable," De la Fuente added.

"I came to the assembly convinced that we were witnessing a president's farewell, but it turned out the opposite."

De la Fuente, 62, stated that the event caused "emotional stress" and astonished those in attendance.

"I arrived expecting a resignation, and we were shocked when we saw it wasn't like that," he continued.

"I was not at the appropriate level, and I was unable to control my emotions." When you go back and see yourself on the cameras, you don't recognize yourself."

According to interim RFEF president Pedro Rocha, De la Fuente will "totally" continue, and he will meet with women's team coach Jorge Vilda the next week.

Despite the squad's World Cup victory in Australia and New Zealand, sources in Spain suggest Vilda may be sacked shortly.

More than 80 women's team players are on strike as a result of the Rubiales incident, while Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias has vowed he would not play for the men's squad.

"I believe he will want to come if called up," said De la Fuente, who did not include the striker in his team for Euro 2024 qualifiers later in September.