Spain/ Rubiales case: Jenni Hermoso testifies in Luis Rubiales Trial, denounces forced Kiss

Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso has testified against former football chief Luis Rubiales, stating that his kiss during the 2023 World Cup medal ceremony “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”

Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion after kissing Hermoso on the lips without her consent.

Speaking before the court in Madrid, Hermoso emphasized, “My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”

The kiss, which took place during Spain’s World Cup victory celebration in Australia, ignited global outrage, leading to protests and calls for Rubiales’ resignation.

Hermoso testified that she never consented and felt “disrespected” as a woman, adding that she was pressured to downplay the incident.

Prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for sexual assault and an additional 18 months for coercion.

Three former federation officials—Jorge Vilda, Rubén Rivera, and Albert Luque—are also on trial for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to support Rubiales’ version of events.

Hermoso, who has since moved to Mexico to continue her career, revealed she received death threats and felt abandoned by the federation.

The trial, which has placed women’s rights in sport under scrutiny, will conclude on 19 February.