MADRID — Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish forward, provided testimony during the trial of Luis Rubiales on Monday, asserting that she did not give her consent to being kissed by the former president of Spain’s Football Federation following their win at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
On the inaugural day of the trial, Hermoso expressed that she felt pressured to publicly clear Rubiales’ name after the incident that occurred in Sydney. She remarked, “I felt disrespected,” conveying that the incident “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
The kiss exchanged during the trophy presentation at the Women’s World Cup final ignited a significant uproar across Spain, highlighting ongoing issues of sexism both in sports and society at large.
Rubiales, who is 47 years old, appeared at Madrid’s High Court facing charges of sexual assault and attempted coercion against Hermoso and others to garner public support. He has refuted these allegations, claiming the kiss was consensual and happened during a “moment of jubilation.” Following substantial backlash, he resigned three weeks later and received a three-year ban from FIFA. Rubiales has characterized his experience as a “witch hunt” fueled by “false feminists.”
Prosecutors, along with Hermoso and the Spain players’ association, are pursuing a sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales, along with a fine of 50,000 euros (approximately $51,800) for damages, and a prohibition from holding any position in sports governance.
When questioned about whether Rubiales sought her permission before the kiss, Hermoso replied in the negative. “I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she recounted. “The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”
If found guilty, Rubiales could face a prison term ranging from one to four years, as indicated by court officials.
Despite the incident, Hermoso chose to celebrate the victory with her teammates, stating that it was essential for her to revel in such a significant moment, like any footballer would. “For me, it was important to be able to celebrate this moment,” she said.
The trial is projected to continue for at least 10 days. Notably, among the almost 20 witnesses anticipated to present testimony are Luis de la Fuente, the head coach of the men’s national team, as well as several of Hermoso’s colleagues from the women’s team, including former world player of the year Alexia Putellas.
The court has stipulated that Rubiales only needs to be present on the first and final days of the proceedings.
Additionally on trial are Jorge Vilda, the former coach of the women’s national team, as well as Albert Luque, the former sports director for the men’s team, and Rubén Rivera, the federation’s previous marketing director. They are alleged to have pressured Hermoso into issuing a supportive statement for Rubiales after the incident, a request she declined.
Hermoso revealed that the fallout from the incident and subsequent controversy forced her life into a holding pattern. She mentioned finding respite from the media glare while playing in Mexico.
The episode significantly overshadowed Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup win, leading to protests and widespread outcry.
“I have not been able to really live freely,” she affirmed in court.
