MADRID — A recent trial has ignited significant conversation around sexism in sports following an incident involving the former president of Spain’s Football Federation, who kissed a member of the national women’s team after their victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
On Monday, Jenni Hermoso, the player involved in the incident, testified that she did not give her consent for the kiss and felt pressured to publicly defend Luis Rubiales following the event. Hermoso shared her feelings in court, stating, “I felt disrespected. I think it was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
Rubiales, who is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion, listened from the nearby bench at Madrid’s High Court. The former federation president has insisted that the kiss was consensual and described it as part of the excitement of the moment. He resigned from his position amidst mounting pressure and has received a three-year ban from FIFA. In a statement, Rubiales characterized himself as a victim of a “witch hunt” perpetuated by “false feminists.”
Prosecutors, alongside Hermoso and Spain’s players’ association, are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, alongside a financial penalty of 50,000 euros (approximately $51,800) for damages, and a prohibition from holding any sports-related positions in the future. When questioned if Rubiales ever sought her permission for the kiss, Hermoso firmly stated that he did not. “I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she recounted, describing how he abruptly grabbed her by the ears and kissed her.
If found guilty, Rubiales could face fines or a prison sentence ranging from one to four years. After the kiss, Hermoso celebrated with her teammates at the awards ceremony in Australia. Reflecting on those celebratory moments, she expressed that it was vital for her to enjoy the occasion just like any footballer would, stating, “For me, it was important to be able to celebrate this moment.”
The proceedings of the trial are anticipated to span at least ten days, with nearly twenty witnesses slated to provide their testimonies. Among them are men’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente and Hermoso’s teammates, including Alexia Putellas, a former world player of the year. Notably, Rubiales is mandated to be present on only the first and last days of the trial.
Also under scrutiny are Jorge Vilda, former coach of the women’s national team; Albert Luque, who was the sports director of the men’s team; and Rubén Rivera, who was the federation’s former head of marketing. All are accused of exerting pressure on Hermoso to publicly support Rubiales after the incident, a request she declined.
Hermoso testified that the aftermath of the incident has left her life in limbo. She noted that it took time for her to escape the media attention that followed her in Mexico, where she plays for a club team. The event and its controversy overshadowed Spain’s historic women’s World Cup victory, resulting in protests and widespread outcry across the country. In her testimony, she lamented, “I have not been able to really live freely.”
