Spain's women's football team captain Ivana Andres has apologized to the Maori people of New Zealand after facing massive backlash for a video she recorded last week as they arrived to compete for the FIFA Women's World Cup, which New Zealand and Australia co-host this year.
In the video, four of her La Roja teammates were seen seemingly mocking the haka, the traditional war dance of the co-host nation's indigenous people.
The 29-year-old read a statement at a greeting ceremony in the North Island city of Palmerston North Monday (July 17) to address the controversy that followed the video.
"We've only been in Aotearoa, New Zealand, for a few days and we have so much to learn about your culture," she said in Spanish as translated by Reuters. "Therefore, thank you so much for the kindness to dedicate a few minutes of your wisdom, especially in such (an) important moment as Matariki (Maori New Year)."
As a sign of apology, a team jersey was also offered by the Spaniards to the Rangitāne tribe, which was eventually accepted, public broadcaster TVNZ reported.
"This shirt represents everything we have to fight for, our sacrifices, our victories, and we hope that you see the privilege we have of playing this tournament in your land," Andres added.
The Spanish Rojas declined to be interviewed by TVNZ.
Maori Tribe: Apology Accepted, But FIFA Should Recognize Indigenous Peoples
In response to the mockery, Rangitāne spokesperson Meihana Durie said the apology was accepted but also told FIFA as an organization to step in to recognize indigenous peoples everywhere.
"Their words came from the heart and there was an acknowledgment that they understood the haka is very precious, not only to Maori but to all of Aotearoa," she said.
Rangitāne man Chris Whaiapu added the lesson learned in this incident was for people to stop appropriating cultural practices.
Meanwhile, FIFA gave a statement to TVNZ saying "an all-female cultural advisory panel representing both Māori and Indigenous Australians" was formed to assist tournament organizers "on all cultural elements," such as "tournament branding, ceremonies, milestone events, and bilingual city names."
The Rojas are scheduled to play against the Costa Rican Ticas in Wellington on Friday (July 21). They would also take on Zambia and Japan as part of the tournament's Group C.
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