Jorge Vilda, the previous coach of Spain’s women’s national soccer team, testified in court on Wednesday, asserting that Luis Rubiales, the former president of the soccer federation, did not instruct him to pressure player Jenni Hermoso following the backlash from Rubiales’ kiss. Hermoso had testified earlier that she did not consent to the kiss that occurred during the presentation event after Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Rubiales is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion due to attempts to minimize the incident, which drew widespread outrage in the country and overshadowed the team’s historic triumph. In the closing arguments, prosecutors emphasized that Hermoso’s lack of consent was evident and recommended a prison sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales. The closing arguments will resume on Thursday, with a verdict possible as soon as next week.
During his testimony, Vilda noted that he reached out to Hermoso’s brother once the incident gained significant media traction, expressing his concern for Hermoso amid the sensational coverage of the kiss. Vilda remarked, “I decided to talk to him myself because I was seeing the importance that (the kiss) was gaining and I started worrying that it was becoming more important than what we had achieved (as a team).”
In addition to Vilda, two other former federation officials, Albert Luque, the sports director of the men’s team, and Ruben Rivera, the head of marketing, have been accused of coercion in an attempt to alleviate the situation following the kiss. They both attested on Wednesday and denied any wrongdoing. Rafael Hermoso, Hermoso’s brother, stated in court that Vilda had spoken to him on a flight, suggesting he persuade the player to record a video with Rubiales. The brother alleged that Vilda also warned Hermoso of potential consequences for her future if she did not comply.
After the World Cup, Hermoso was not included in the national team roster. New coach Montse Tomé clarified in court that this decision did not serve as punishment but was meant to protect Hermoso from the media frenzy surrounding the kiss. Hermoso was also absent from Tomé’s recent list for the Women’s Nations League, although the coach expressed that opportunities for all players remain open.
In his testimony, Vilda emphasized that he sought a way to resolve the situation amicably, wanting to shift focus back to the team’s achievements rather than the controversy. He stated, “I didn’t say anything specific about a video, only about her coming out to speak or making some kind of a statement.” Furthermore, Vilda claimed Rubiales was aware of his communication with Hermoso’s brother but denied ever pressuring the player.
Rubiales, who testified the previous day, maintained that Hermoso had consented to the kiss, citing an expert who claimed to have interpreted him asking if he could give her “a little kiss.” However, Hermoso firmly stated in her testimony that she felt disrespected and never agreed to the kiss, highlighting that there was no dialogue, only a sense of surprise when it happened. Prosecutor Marta Durántez pointed out that Hermoso found herself opposing the entire Spanish soccer federation that Rubiales led.
Vilda’s court appearance was delayed for over an hour due to technical issues. Following the scandal, Rubiales resigned under intense pressure and received a three-year ban from FIFA. He characterized himself as a target of a “witch hunt” led by “false feminists.” Prosecutors are also seeking sentences of one and a half years for the other three defendants accused of coercion.
