MADRID — On Tuesday, Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish soccer federation, reiterated in court that forward Jenni Hermoso consented to a kiss during the presentation ceremony following the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. Rubiales is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion, stemming from his attempts to mitigate the backlash ignited by the kiss, which disrupted the celebratory mood surrounding the team’s first World Cup victory.
“I asked her if I could give her a little kiss, and she replied, ‘OK,’” Rubiales stated confidently, asserting his belief that consent was given. In contrast, Hermoso testified last week, on the trial’s first day, that she did not agree to the kiss.
On Tuesday, three other individuals were also expected to present their testimony: Jorge Vilda, the former coach of the women’s national team, Albert Luque, who was the federation’s former sports director for the men’s national team, and Ruben Rivera, the former head of marketing. All three face accusations related to coercion.
Additionally, a lip reading expert provided evidence, confirming that Rubiales posed the question to Hermoso: “Can I give you a little kiss?” Video footage was played in court showing Hermoso celebrating and discussing the incident further.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the kiss, Hermoso mentioned, “Nobody anticipated this, but honestly, I’m indifferent; we are world champions, and that’s what counts,” as she voiced her thoughts in audio clips presented during the proceedings. “I didn’t appreciate it, but it was part of the moment and will be remembered just as an anecdote. Those who want to make a fuss can do so, while others simply won’t.” She highlighted her confidence that the incident would diminish in significance as they celebrate their championship status.
One video featured Rubiales expressing his regret over the backlash surrounding the kiss, stressing his disappointment that it affected the celebratory atmosphere. In the same footage, Hermoso appeared to be laughing normally following his remarks.
The defense team sought to undermine the earlier account provided by Hermoso’s brother, who claimed that Vilda pressured Hermoso into creating a video with Rubiales to mitigate the incident’s impact. The defense showcased an interview where Hermoso’s brother himself appeared to dismiss the incident, noting that his previous comments aimed to keep the focus on the celebrations rather than the kiss.
Rubiales resigned three weeks after the controversy erupted and was subsequently handed a three-year ban by FIFA, claiming to be a target of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.” Hermoso expressed her feelings of disrespect regarding the kiss, stating that it “tainted one of the happiest days of my life.”
The incident prompted widespread outrage in Spain, reigniting discussions surrounding sexism in sports. Prosecutors, along with Hermoso and the players’ association, are advocating for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, a fine of 50,000 euros (approximately $51,800), and a ban on his eligibility to hold any sports-related positions. They are also seeking a 1.5-year sentence for the other three defendants involved.
