Court Hearings Unveil Hermoso’s Account of Non-Consensual Kiss Post Women’s World Cup Victory

Jenni Hermoso’s Testimony

Jenni Hermoso, a prominent footballer, testified at Madrid’s High Court, asserting that the kiss shared with Luis Rubiales after Spain’s Women’s World Cup win wasn’t consensual.

She detailed the aftermath of the incident, highlighting pressure she faced to defend Rubiales amid the fallout.

The Controversial Kiss

Rubiales, the former Spanish federation chief, claims the kiss was consensual and denies any wrongdoing.

However, this incident led to his ban from football-related activities by FIFA and eventually led to his resignation as the Spanish FA president, igniting a crisis within Spanish football.

Allegations and Court Appearance

Hermoso filed a criminal complaint against Rubiales, alleging sexual assault and coercion. During her three-hour court appearance, she reiterated her account to prosecutors, affirming that the kiss was unexpected and non-consensual, as reported by Marca.

Legal Proceedings and Impact

The court session included testimonies from other World Cup-winning players, coaches, and federation officials. Hermoso requested a private court appearance, arrived discreetly, and left the proceedings with a message of gratitude for the support received.

Legal Ramifications

Rubiales could face penalties under a sexual consent law, possibly resulting in a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty.

Hermoso has labeled the kiss as impulsive, sexist, and non-consensual, obtaining a restraining order against Rubiales.

Social Impact and Movements

Hermoso’s stance against the kiss led to threats and positioned her as a prominent figure in Spain’s ‘Me Too’ movement.

Her actions aligned with calls for greater equality, and her involvement in media appearances has drawn attention to gender equality issues.

Conclusion and FIFA’s Action

The boycott of the national team ended after government intervention promising changes within the federation.

FIFA banned Rubiales for three years, extending beyond the men’s 2026 World Cup but ending before the 2027 women’s tournament. Hermoso continues to advocate for equality while emphasizing her resilience as a footballer.

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