Luis Rubiales defends World Cup kiss in court as Hermoso testifies it was non-consensual.(Photograph: Sebastien Bozon, Thomas Coex/File/AFP
Madrid, Spain (EPICSTORIAN )– Former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales has taken the stand in a highly anticipated trial over his controversial kiss on Jenni Hermoso, which led to his downfall and sparked a global debate on consent in sports.
He insists the act was harmless, while prosecutors argue it was an undeniable case of sexual assault.
Rubiales Rejects Assault Claims, Calls Kiss a ‘Celebratory Peck’
Luis Rubiales, 47, resigned in disgrace in 2023 after kissing Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the Women’s World Cup victory celebrations in Australia. The moment, captured on live television, triggered widespread criticism and led to major scrutiny of Spain’s football governance.
In his testimony, Rubiales described the kiss as a mutual and innocent expression of joy. “It was a peck between friends celebrating,” he told the court. His legal team argues there was no intent to harm or coerce, portraying the moment as a natural reaction to the team’s historic win.
Prosecutors Push for Jail Time Over ‘Forced Kiss’ and Coercion
Prosecutors have presented a different narrative, pushing for a 12-month prison sentence for sexual assault over the non-consensual kiss and 18 additional months for coercion. They claim Rubiales pressured Hermoso and those around her to publicly downplay the incident, attempting to control the fallout.
Hermoso took the stand on the opening day of the trial, describing the kiss as unwanted and inappropriate. “I felt disrespected. This was a non-consensual act that should not happen in any social or work setting,” she told the court.
Evidence presented includes messages and testimonies suggesting Rubiales and his associates pressured Hermoso to frame the incident as harmless. Prosecutors argue that the coercion charge reflects the power dynamics at play, where a federation president attempted to manipulate a player’s response.
Backlash and Fallout: FIFA Ban and Leadership Shake-Up
The scandal led to swift consequences. FIFA imposed a three-year ban on Rubiales from all football-related activities, reinforcing its stance on misconduct. The Spanish football federation distanced itself from his leadership, accelerating internal reforms to address structural issues in the sport.
Public outrage forced Rubiales to step down in September 2023. His resignation, however, did not quell the debate over power imbalances and sexism in professional football. Players, organizations, and fans have continued pushing for greater accountability and systemic change.
Trial’s Verdict Could Reshape Spanish Football
The outcome of this trial carries weight beyond Rubiales’ personal fate. A conviction would reinforce legal protections against abuse of power in professional settings, while an acquittal may fuel concerns about institutional leniency toward misconduct.
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Rubiales maintains his innocence, while Hermoso stands firm in her testimony. Legal professionals said the court’s final decision will not only determine the former federation chief’s legal standing but also influence the future of governance and player protection in Spanish football.
