The 2023 Women’s World Cup should have been remembered as a historic moment for Spain’s women’s football team.
Instead, it became overshadowed by controversy when Luis Rubiales, then president of the Spanish Football Federation, kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the victory celebrations.
The incident sparked global outrage, accusations of misconduct, and eventually, a legal battle that has now led to Rubiales defending himself in court.
Rubiales Stands Firm on Consent
Speaking in court, Rubiales insisted that Hermoso had consented to the kiss, claiming he was “totally sure” that she agreed. However, Hermoso’s account tells a different story.
She previously testified that she “never” agreed to the kiss, felt disrespected, and that it tarnished what should have been one of the happiest days of her life.
Rubiales, now facing charges of sexual assault and coercion, downplayed the incident as a simple act of affection in the heat of celebration.
“She squeezed me very tightly under my armpits, she lifted me, and when I came down, I asked her if I could give her a kiss, and she said ‘OK,’” he explained during his testimony.
He also described the moment as being of little significance for either of them.
Legal Trouble and Possible Jail Time
The prosecution is not convinced by Rubiales’ version of events.
They are seeking a prison sentence of two and a half years for sexual assault, as well as a fine of €50,000 ($51,800) and a ban on working as a sports official.
The coercion charges also extend to three other former Spanish football officials—ex-women’s team coach Jorge Vilda, former men’s national team sports director Albert Luque, and ex-head of marketing Ruben Rivera.
The prosecution argues that they pressured Hermoso into publicly downplaying the kiss. If convicted, they could each face one and a half years in prison.
Conflicting Testimonies and Courtroom Drama
During the trial, videos were presented showing Hermoso celebrating after the World Cup win and later discussing the kiss.
In an interview, she stated, “Nobody expected it, but I don’t care, we are world champions, that’s what matters.”
However, she also admitted she didn’t like the kiss and didn’t expect it to become a big deal.
Rubiales’ legal team attempted to discredit testimony from Hermoso’s brother, who had previously claimed that Jorge Vilda pressured her into making a statement supporting Rubiales.
The defense countered by showing an earlier interview where Hermoso’s brother himself appeared to downplay the incident.
FIFA Ban and Public Backlash
Rubiales resigned from his position three weeks after the scandal erupted, though he continued to insist he was the victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.”
In addition to the legal case, FIFA banned him from football-related activities for three years, further cementing the consequences of his actions.
The controversy ignited a broader conversation in Spain about sexism in sports and beyond, with many calling for greater accountability and cultural change in how female athletes are treated.
The Spanish players’ association, alongside Hermoso and the prosecution, continues to push for justice.
What Comes Next?
As the trial progresses, the testimonies of the remaining defendants will be crucial in determining the case’s outcome.
Meanwhile, Spain’s women’s football team hopes to move past the scandal and focus on their achievements on the field.
Regardless of the final verdict, this case has already left a lasting impact on Spanish football and discussions around gender equality in sports.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn