Spain captain apologizes ahead of Women’s World Cup after players make video appearing to mock haka

The captain of the Spanish women’s national team issued a public apology on Monday after the soccer workforce confronted huge backlash for a video posted final week that confirmed 4 gamers seemingly mocking a conventional dance of the indigenous folks of New Zealand.

Ivana Andres, 29, learn an announcement at a greeting ceremony within the North Island metropolis of Palmerston North to deal with the controversy that adopted a video which confirmed some members of their Women’s World Cup squad laughing as they tried the standard haka.

WOMEN’S WORLD CUP WARM-UP MATCH CALLED OFF AFTER BECOMING ‘OVERLY PHYSICAL,’ PLAYER REPORTEDLY HOSPITALIZED

“We’ve solely been in Aotearoa, New Zealand for just a few days and now we have a lot to study your tradition,” a translation of Andres’ assertion learn, in response to Reuters. “Subsequently, thanks a lot for the kindness to dedicate a couple of minutes of your knowledge, particularly in such (an) vital second as Matariki.”

Matariki, which falls on July 14, signifies the New Yr within the Maori tradition.

“We’d additionally wish to see Matariki as a option to renovate our pleasure and for us to study to take pleasure in, to share and to achieve for brand new targets and to say sorry for our errors and to study extra every day.”

Irene Guerrero, left, and Ivana Andres, proper, attend a Spain workforce welcome ceremony on July 17, 2023, in Palmerston North, New Zealand. (James Foy – FIFA/FIFA by way of Getty Photographs)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Members of the native tribe had been current on the ceremony. They had been gifted with a jersey that had the phrase Papaioea on it, the Maori title for Palmerston North.

“This shirt represents every little thing now we have to battle for, our sacrifices, our victories, and we hope that you just see the privilege now we have of enjoying this match in your land.”

Ivana Andres attends an interview after the Spain Girls Workforce coaching day at Ciudad del Futbol on June 27, 2023, in Las Rozas, Madrid. (Oscar J. Barroso / AFP7 by way of Getty Photographs)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

A Rangitane O Manawatu iwi spokesperson mentioned Andres’ apology “got here from the guts” and confirmed a degree of understanding for the significance of the haka.

The apology got here simply days earlier than Spain’s opening match in opposition to Costa Rica on Friday.

The Related Press contributed to this report.