Luis Rubiales, the currently suspended President of the Spanish Football Federation, appears to have had his claims about the controversial kiss at the World Cup final disproven by a new video.
Spain won the Women's World Cup after they beat England 1-0 in the final, but their victory was quickly tarnished by a controversial kiss that took place during the trophy presentation.
The incident in question involved Rubiales, 46, who was seen kissing Jenni Hermoso, 33, on the lips as she collected her medal.
This ignited a wave of controversy, triggering widespread outrage and demands for Rubiales' resignation from both Spanish football circles and governmental quarters.
Rubiales himself maintains that the kiss was consensual, and the Spanish Football Federation supported his claims and stated that Hermoso instigated the kiss after lifting him from the ground, per the Daily Mail.
Despite these claims, a new angle appears to disprove Rubiales as it seemingly shows him instigating the hug and throwing himself up in the air, forcing Hermoso to hold him so he wouldn't fall.
Following this, the kiss takes place and the footage appears to show that Rubiales is the party who instigated it.
Hermoso addressed the moment later during an interview with Spanish TV network La 1, responding: "Eh... yeah, I did not enjoy that."
Rubiales brushed off the criticism about the kiss during an interview with Radio MARCO, explaining: "The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a minor show of affection, we can't listen to idiocy. We are champions and that's what I'll take."
Hermoso also defended Rubiales during a later interview, stating that the moment was a "natural gesture of affection".
She told the Spanish federation, via AFP: "It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings.
"The president and I have a great relationship, his behavior with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.
"A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important."
While the Spanish Football Federation unwaveringly stands by Rubiales, FIFA's decision casts a shadow of uncertainty over Rubiales' future and his efficacy in his current leadership role.
FIFA's official statement, as reported by Reuters, reads: "Luis Rubiales is suspended from all football-related activities at national and international level." The suspension, which takes immediate effect, spans an initial period of 90 days, pending the outcome of the ongoing disciplinary procedures.
