Jenni Hermoso Testifies Against Luis Rubiales in High-Profile Trial.

Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso, 34, testified at the trial of former football chief Luis Rubiales, 47, recounting the kiss that became the centre of a national controversy following Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

The incident, which took place after Spain’s triumph over England in Sydney, saw Rubiales, then president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, kiss Hermoso on the mouth without her consent. Hermoso, 34, testified that she did not give consent and described the moment as one that “shadowed one of the happiest days of my life.”

Jenni Hermoso (@jennihermoso Instagram)

“I felt disrespected. I think it was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.” Hermoso told the Madrid High Court.

Rubiales, 47, is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion for allegedly pressuring Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual. The incident, which initially sparked outrage within Spain, soon grew into a global conversation about sexism in sports. The public outcry against Rubiales was swift and widespread, with the Spanish women’s team and the players’ association demanding justice.

Prosecutors are calling for a prison sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales, as well as €50,000 in damages for Hermoso. Rubiales, however, has consistently denied the allegations, insisting that the kiss was mutual and calling the accusations a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.” He stepped down from his position as president and received a three-year ban from both FIFA and Spain's sports authority following the controversy.

During her testimony on Monday, Hermoso was questioned by prosecutors about the moments leading up to the kiss. She responded clearly, saying, “I didn’t hear or understand anything. The next thing he did was grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.” When asked if Rubiales had asked for permission, Hermoso answered with a firm “no.”

The 34-year-old, who currently plays for a Mexican football club, shared that the incident and subsequent media attention have had a significant emotional toll on her. “I have not been able to really live freely,” she revealed in court.

In addition to Rubiales, three former colleagues of his are also facing trial for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to say the kiss was consensual. These include Jorge Vilda, the former coach of Spain’s women’s national team; Albert Luque, the ex-sports director of Spain’s men’s national team; and Rubén Rivera, the former head of marketing for the federation. All three have denied the charges.

The trial, which began earlier this week, is expected to last at least ten days, with 20 witnesses set to testify, including Hermoso's teammates and other key figures from the Spanish football world. Notably, former world player of the year, Alexia Putellas, is among the witnesses scheduled to give testimony.

Luis Rubiales is a Spanish football administrator and former player, best known for his tenure as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). He served in this position from 2018 until his resignation in 2023 following a highly publicized scandal. Prior to his career in football administration, Rubiales was a professional football player, playing as a central defender for clubs such as Hércules and the Spanish national team at the youth level.

In addition to the backlash from the kiss incident, Rubiales has faced further scrutiny regarding his handling of the situation, including allegations of coercion. He denied the allegations, claiming the kiss was consensual and labeling the response as a "witch hunt" led by "false feminists."

The legal proceedings continue, with the Spanish prosecutors pursuing charges against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion related to his actions during the World Cup celebrations. His conduct and the aftermath of the incident have become a symbol of the wider fight against sexism in sports, contributing to significant discourse about gender equality and respect within the football world.

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