Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales testified in court on Tuesday, maintaining that Jenni Hermoso consented to the kiss that sparked worldwide controversy during the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The high-profile trial, which began on February 3, has turned Hermoso into a symbol of the fight against sexism in sports. Rubiales, who was forced to step down in disgrace, faces up to two and a half years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors are seeking one year for sexual assault and an additional 18 months for alleged coercion.
Rubiales, 47, defended his actions, claiming the kiss was mutual. “She squeezed me tightly under my arms, lifted me, and when I came down, I asked if I could give her a kiss. She said, ‘OK.’ That’s what happened,” he stated in Spain’s National Court. He described the moment as “an act of affection” and insisted, “It had no importance for either of us.”
A lip-reading expert testified that video footage appeared to show Rubiales asking Hermoso, “Can I give you a kiss?” However, the footage did not capture her face, leaving room for interpretation.
While acknowledging his behavior on the podium was inappropriate, Rubiales denied any wrongdoing. “I made a mistake. I should have been in a more institutional role, but I committed no crime,” he argued.
Hermoso’s Reaction and Allegations of Coercion
Hermoso, 34, testified on the first day of the trial, saying she felt “disrespected” and insisted the kiss was non-consensual. “This should not happen in any social or work setting,” she said.
Her teammates recalled her feeling “overwhelmed” and crying after the incident. Her brother, Rafael Hermoso, testified that she faced pressure to downplay the event to protect Rubiales.
Rubiales denied allegations of coercion and rejected claims that he had influenced those around Hermoso to defend him. He also dismissed accusations that he played a role in drafting a statement in her name aimed at defusing the growing scandal.
Legal Ramifications and Broader Investigations
Prosecutors are also seeking 18-month sentences for former women’s team coach Jorge Vilda and ex-football federation officials Ruben Rivera and Albert Luque for allegedly coercing Hermoso.
Rubiales initially refused to step down, decrying what he called “false feminism” during an emergency federation meeting in August 2023. However, after FIFA suspended him and Spanish prosecutors launched an investigation, he resigned in September.
His tenure as federation chief was marked by controversy. He revamped the Spanish Super Cup, expanding it to four teams and signing a lucrative deal to relocate the tournament to Saudi Arabia. That deal, which allegedly involved financial irregularities linked to a company owned by ex-Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, is under investigation.
Rubiales has dismissed all allegations, calling them “falsehoods.”
