The Spanish federation president criticised for his antics at Sunday's World Cup final has apologised for kissing one of the team's players, saying his behaviour "seems like it has caused a commotion".
Luis Rubiales, who is also a member of UEFA's ruling executive committee and a vice-president of European football's governing body, issued a video statement on Monday after he was pictured kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during Sunday's medal ceremony in Sydney, after Spain had beaten England 1-0 in the final.
Footage has also emerged of Rubiales kissing goalscorer Olga Carmona, and of him celebrating Spain's win in the stadium's VIP area by grabbing his crotch.
Rubiales' behaviour in Australia was described as "unacceptable" by Spain's acting culture and sports minister Miquel Iceta. The minister called on Rubiales to explain his actions and apologise.
Rubiales' statement focused on the Hermoso kiss and did not reference his behaviour in the VIP box, where he was stood alongside Spain's Queen Letizia and her teenage daughter Sofia.
"There is something I regret, and it was what happened between me and a player, with whom I have a fantastic relationship, just like with the others, where I have certainly made a mistake. I have to admit it," Rubiales said in his video address.
"In that moment of absolute exultation, without any bad intentions or bad faith, well... that happened. I believe it happened in a very spontaneous way, which I repeat had no bad intentions from either side.
"From that point on, it wasn't interpreted that way as we carried on as normal, naturally, and again with no ill will between us.
"But outside of that it seems like it has caused a commotion as it seemed to do damage, so I want to apologise for it, I don't ask for anything else."
Hermoso can be heard in a social media post that she "didn't like" the kiss from Rubiales, but then later released a statement via the federation saying it was a mutual gesture which was "spontaneous".
"It was mutual gesture that was totally spontaneous prompted by the huge joy of winning a World Cup," the statement said. "The 'presi' and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has always been 10 (out of 10) and this was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude."
Asked again about the incident on Spain's COPE Radio station, she said: "I wish they created (controversy) involving someone else, I'm a world champion and that’s what matters."
Rubiales himself had earlier denounced those raising questions as "idiots".
"The kiss with Jenni? There are idiots everywhere. When two people have a moment of affection that means nothing more, you can't listen to idiocy. We are the champions, that's it," he said according to Radio Marca.
However, ministers and parts of the media were angry at the gesture.
Acting Culture and Sports Minister Miquel Iceta said on Monday on RNE radio the kiss was unacceptable and asked Rubiales to give an explanation and apologise.
A non-consensual kiss is "a kind of sex violence we suffer all women daily, which was until now invisible, and which we cannot normalise", acting Gender Equality Minister Irene Montero said on the X social network, formerly known as Twitter.
Acting Social Rights Minister Ione Belarra, who belongs to Montero's party, asked "if they do that with all of Spain watching, what might they do privately?"
A column in Spain's El Pais newspaper on Monday morning was titled: "Jenni didn't like the kiss and we didn't either" - describing it as "an intrusion, an invasion of privacy, an aggression".
World players' union FIFPRO said: "It is deeply lamentable that such a special moment for the players of the Spain national team that was taking place before a global television audience should be stained by the inappropriate conduct of an individual in a role carrying so much responsibility.
"Uninitiated and uninvited physical gestures towards players are not appropriate or acceptable in any context. This is especially true when players are put in a position of vulnerability because a physical approach or gesture is initiated by a person who holds power over them."
UEFA has declined to comment.
