‘Noble’: Outrage over World Cup kisser’s new claim

Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise for his World Cup kiss in a bombshell Piers Morgan interview where he has made a shocking new claim.

Former Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise to World Cup hero Jenni Hermoso in bombshell Piers Morgan interview.

The disgraced football president, 46, sparked outrage when he kissed Hermoso without her consent after his country won the Women’s World Cup earlier this month.

The Sun reports the row caused a shockwave across the international football world, as numerous figures called for his resignation and Spanish prosecutors opened a criminal investigation.

But in a revealing sit-down with Morgan Rubiales defended his actions — saying the kiss was “noble”.

He said: “You can imagine if you win the lottery or hopefully soon one day the war in the Ukraine finishes, I mean celebrations will go on up and down the globe.

“People don’t ask permissions, it’s just a happy, happy time and people celebrate.

Luis Rubiales has refused to apologise to Jenni Hermoso. Credit: Talk TV.

“This has turned out to be a snowball created by spurious arguments and people.

“My intentions were noble, enthusiastic, 100 per cent non-sexual, 100 per cent, I repeat, 100 per cent.”

During the interview he was repeatedly pressed by Piers to apologise to Hermoso - but he insists it was a misunderstanding.

He said: “It was a mutual act, she came towards me, very happy. She lifted me up, she lifted me up in the air… We were both emotional.

Kaboom. Photo by Noemi Llamas/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images.

“When we hit the ground, I had a quick conversation with her. We congratulated each other. I gave her a quick peck. I asked her, can I give you a quick peck, which is normal in our country.

“I think she gave me one or two slaps in my side, she was laughing, and that was it. No intention.

“Of course no sexual connotation of anything. Just a moment of happiness, just great joy in that moment.”

Luis Rubiales carrying Spain's Athenea del Castillo Beivide during World Cup celebrations. Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP.

It comes after Rubiales this week revealed he is resigning following the scandal.

On Wednesday World Cup Champion Jenni Hermoso presented a complaint of sexual assault against Rubiales to the Spanish prosecutors office.

He formally announced his resignation from the Spanish FA and from his UEFA vice-presidency.

It’s the first formal complaint from Hermoso, 33, following the non consensual kiss after Spain’s victory.

She lodged the sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office - as the public ministry will present an official complaint soon against Rubiales soon.

A judge at Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid will be tasked with conducting the probe and deciding whether Rubiales should face charges before inviting prosecutors to indict the suspended Spanish FA president.

— This story originally appeared on thesun.co.uk and has been republished with permission

Originally published as ‘Noble’: Outrage over World Cup kisser’s new claim