On Monday, the United Nations secretary-general’s spokesman weighed in on the sexism controversy gripping Spain by posing the question, “How difficult is it not to kiss somebody on the lips?”

After the Spanish football chief gave World Cup player Jenni Hermoso a forced kiss on the lips, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson Stephane Dujarric urged authorities to combat sexism “in a manner that respects the rights of all female athletes.”

“There is a critical issue of sexism that remains in sports,” he said.

As he congratulated the Spanish squad on winning the World Cup on August 20, Luis Rubiales grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips in front of millions of spectators.

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The kiss, which has caused outrage throughout the world, was described by Hermoso as “an impulsive, macho act, out of place, and with no type of consent on my part.”

Insisting that it was mutual, Rubiales has resisted leaving his position.

The incident has been the subject of a preliminary sexual abuse inquiry, prosecutors at Spain’s top criminal court announced on Monday.