.png)
Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales defended himself in court on Tuesday, insisting that the kiss he shared with player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women's World Cup awards ceremony was consensual.
Rubiales, who faces charges of sexual assault and coercion, stated before a judge that he explicitly asked Hermoso for permission before kissing her on the lips and that she agreed. "I'm absolutely sure she gave me her consent," he testified. "I asked, 'Can I give you a little kiss?' and she said, 'OK.'"
However, Hermoso testified last week that she did not consent to the kiss, saying it left her feeling disrespected and overshadowed the joy of Spain’s World Cup victory.
The case has sparked widespread debate on sexism in sports, with Rubiales’ actions drawing fierce criticism in Spain and beyond. The controversy began moments after Spain’s win over England in Sydney, when Rubiales was seen celebrating by grabbing his crotch before embracing Hermoso and kissing her.
Contrasting Testimonies and Allegations of Pressure
While Rubiales has admitted the kiss was a mistake, he maintains it was a spontaneous, affectionate gesture, not an act of misconduct. "I should have acted in a more institutional manner," he told the court.
Hermoso and her teammates, however, have provided a different account. The prosecution alleges that after the incident, Rubiales and other officials pressured Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual in an attempt to downplay the backlash. Alongside Rubiales, three former federation officials—ex-women’s team coach Jorge Vilda, former sporting director Albert Luque, and former marketing chief Ruben Rivera—are also on trial for coercion.
A lip-reading expert testified in court that Rubiales did verbally ask Hermoso for a kiss, but the player’s subsequent statements suggest she was uncomfortable with the situation. Video footage shown during the trial captured Hermoso initially laughing off the incident but later expressing frustration over the controversy it caused.
Fallout and Legal Consequences
The scandal ultimately led to Rubiales’ resignation three weeks after the final and a three-year ban from football-related activities imposed by FIFA. He has repeatedly claimed he is the victim of a "witch hunt" driven by what he called "false feminists."
Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, along with a €50,000 fine ($51,800) and a ban from holding sports-related positions. The three other defendants could face up to one and a half years in prison if convicted.
The trial, which has brought renewed attention to gender equality in sports, is expected to conclude in March. Until then, the legal battle over what was supposed to be a historic moment in Spanish football continues.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Jorge Fernández Salas, Pixabay / davidrockdesign
