By Kwame Bediako
The trial of former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales commenced in Madrid this week, stemming from a kiss he planted on forward Jenni Hermoso during the post-match trophy ceremony following Spain’s historic World Cup victory in 2023.
The tournament, held across Australia and New Zealand, saw Spain triumph over formidable teams, including Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, culminating in a final match against England. A decisive goal from defender Olga Carmona secured Spain’s first World Cup title, but the celebratory atmosphere quickly shifted due to the ensuing controversy surrounding Rubiales’ actions.
Rubiales, who resigned from his position in September 2023, is facing serious charges of sexual assault and coercion. The incident, which unfolded during the medal presentation ceremony, was captured on camera and sparked outrage, leading to widespread condemnation and a scandal that rocked Spanish football. As the 47-year-old faces the court, he has maintained his innocence, claiming the kiss was consensual and accusing his accusers of launching a “witch hunt” against him.
Prosecutors, alongside Hermoso and Spain’s players’ association, are seeking a prison sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales, as well as financial damages amounting to €50,000 (£42,000). They are also requesting a court order that would prevent him from working in any sports-related capacity and from approaching Hermoso. If found guilty, Rubiales could face up to four years in prison, which would add significant legal repercussions to the already damaging fallout from the incident.
Hermoso, who currently plays for Liga MX Femenil club Tigres in Mexico, took the stand as the first witness on Monday, February 3, 2025. During her testimony, she expressed how the kiss “stained one of the happiest days of my life” and emphasized that she had never given Rubiales permission to kiss her. Describing the moment, she recounted, “I greeted the queen, I greeted her daughter. The next thing was meeting Rubiales. The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”
In a further complication, Hermoso revealed that she was pressured by Rubiales to downplay the incident publicly. She recounted being approached to record a video asserting the kiss was consensual while on the flight home, a request she firmly rejected.
Prosecutors are not only seeking a sentence for the alleged assault but also for coercion, highlighting Rubiales’ attempts to manipulate the narrative surrounding the kiss, which has since become a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about consent and respect in sports. The trial is set to continue until February 19, 2024, as the case draws significant attention both in Spain and internationally.
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