Spain forward Jenni Hermoso testified on Monday that she did not consent to being kissed by former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales after the team’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Speaking at Rubiales’ trial in Madrid’s High Court, Hermoso stated that she felt pressured to publicly exonerate him following the incident in Sydney.
“I felt disrespected,” she said. It “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
Rubiales, 47, is accused of sexual assault and coercion for allegedly attempting to pressure Hermoso into supporting him. The former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has denied the charges, insisting the kiss was consensual and occurred in a “moment of jubilation.” He resigned three weeks later amid widespread backlash and was banned by FIFA for three years.
Prosecutors, Hermoso, and the Spanish players’ association are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, a €50,000 ($51,800) compensation payment, and a ban from working in sports administration. If convicted, he could face a fine or a prison sentence ranging from one to four years.
When asked whether Rubiales sought her permission before kissing her, Hermoso replied,
“I didn’t hear or understand anything. The next thing he did was grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”
Despite the controversy, Hermoso celebrated Spain’s World Cup victory with her teammates. When questioned about those celebrations, she said,
“For me, it was important to be able to celebrate this moment.”
The trial is expected to last at least ten days, with nearly 20 witnesses, including Spain men’s national coach Luis de la Fuente and women’s team star Alexia Putellas. Rubiales is only required to attend the first and last day of proceedings.
Also facing trial are former Spain women’s national coach Jorge Vilda, former men’s team sports director Albert Luque, and ex-RFEF marketing head Rubén Rivera. They are accused of attempting to pressure Hermoso into publicly defending Rubiales, which she refused to do.
Hermoso said the incident and its aftermath put her life on hold. She relocated to Mexico, where she plays for a club, to escape the public scrutiny.
“I have not been able to really live freely,” she told the court.
The scandal overshadowed Spain’s first Women’s World Cup triumph, sparking nationwide protests and widespread condemnation of sexism in football and beyond.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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