14th February 2025
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Hermoso: unsolicited kiss from Rubiales ‘stained one of the happiest days of my life’

Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso testified in court on Monday that she did not give consent for the kiss from the disgraced former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, after Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

During the opening day of Rubiales’ trial in Madrid, Hermoso also stated that she was pressured into publicly defending the ex-president following the incident in Sydney.

‘I felt disrespected,’ Hermoso said, adding that the moment had ‘stained one of the happiest days of my life’.

Rubiales’ kiss during the trophy presentation ceremony at the Women’s World Cup final sparked widespread outrage in Spain, highlighting deeper concerns about sexism in sports and society.

The 47-year-old Rubiales, who sat before Madrid’s High Court, faces charges of sexual assault and coercion, with accusations that he and others attempted to pressure Hermoso into publicly supporting him.

Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was consensual and happened in a ‘moment of jubilation’. ALSO READ: Rubiales denies any wrongdoing, but is banned from going within 200 metres of Hermoso.

However, under mounting pressure, he resigned three weeks later and was subsequently banned by FIFA for three years. He has repeatedly claimed he is the target of a ‘witch hunt’ led by what he called ‘false feminists’.

Prosecutors, along with Hermoso and the Spain players’ association, are seeking a prison sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales, as well as a fine of 50,000 euros in damages and a ban from holding any position as a sports official.

When questioned in court about whether Rubiales had asked for her consent before kissing her, Hermoso firmly responded that he had not.

‘I didn’t hear him say anything, nor did I understand anything,’ she testified. ‘The next thing I knew, he grabbed me by the ears and kissed me on the mouth.’

Court officials have stated that if convicted, Rubiales could face either a fine or a prison term ranging from one to four years.

Hermoso continued celebrating the World Cup victory with her teammates after the incident. When asked about the champagne-filled celebrations during Monday’s proceedings, she explained that she had simply chosen to celebrate the historic win like any footballer would.

‘This moment was something I wanted to enjoy,’ she said.

The trial is expected to last at least 10 days, with nearly 20 witnesses scheduled to testify. Among them are Spain men’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente and several of Hermoso’s teammates from the women’s squad, including former world player of the year Alexia Putellas.

Rubiales is only required to be present on the first and last days of the trial, according to court regulations.

Also facing trial are former Spain women’s head coach Jorge Vilda, ex-sports director of the men’s national team Albert Luque, and the federation’s former marketing chief Rubén Rivera. They stand accused of attempting to pressure Hermoso into issuing a statement in Rubiales’ defence, which she refused to do.

Reflecting on the fallout from the incident, Hermoso revealed that her life had been put on hold as a result of the controversy. She eventually found refuge in Mexico, where she currently plays for a club.

Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup victory was overshadowed by the scandal, sparking protests and widespread condemnation.

‘I have not been able to truly live freely,’ Hermoso told the court.

ALSO READ: Rubiales denies wrongdoing in probe into Saudi Arabia deal for Spanish Super Cup.

ALSO READ: Former Spain coach Del Bosque to head commission overseeing football federation.

ALSO READ: Rubiales briefly detained at airport on return to Spain in corruption probe.

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