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

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The captain of the Spanish women’s national team issued a public apology on Monday after the soccer team faced massive backlash for a video posted last week that showed four players seemingly mocking a traditional dance of the indigenous people of New Zealand. 

Ivana Andres, 29, read a statement at a greeting ceremony in the North Island city of Palmerston North to address the controversy that followed a video which showed some members of their Women’s World Cup squad laughing as they attempted the traditional haka. 

Ivana Andres looks on during the Women's International friendly match between Spain and China at Palladium Can Misses on April 11, 2023 in Ibiza, Spain. (Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

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

"We’ve only been in Aotearoa, New Zealand for a few days and we have so much to learn about your culture," a translation of Andres’ statement read, according to 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."

Matariki, which falls on July 14, signifies the New Year in the Maori culture. 

"We’d also like to see Matariki as a way to renovate our excitement and for us to learn to enjoy, to share and to reach for new goals and to ask for forgiveness for our mistakes and to learn more each day."

Irene Guerrero, left, and Ivana Andres, right, attend a Spain team welcome ceremony on July 17, 2023, in Palmerston North, New Zealand. (James Foy - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE