Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), faced a court this week where he maintained that the kiss he gave to footballer Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup final was consensual. He described the kiss, which occurred during the award ceremony after Spain's victory in Australia, as a “spontaneous act of affection.”
During his testimony at Spain's National Court, Rubiales claimed that Hermoso had embraced him and that he felt it was a fitting gesture in celebration of her achievement. “This was a tremendous moment for her,” he stated, emphasizing the long-standing relationship he had with Hermoso, which he believed justified the kiss. He indicated that before leaning in, he asked if he could kiss her, to which he thought she consented affirmatively.
However, the incident sparked significant controversy, with Ms. Hermoso asserting that she never gave permission for the kiss. She testified that the event marred what should have been one of the happiest days of her life. In her prior statements, she highlighted the implications of power dynamics in the moment, noting how the approach from her superior felt inappropriate within both social and professional boundaries.
To support his defense, Rubiales employed a lip-reading expert who claimed that video analysis suggested he asked if he could give her a kiss. However, it remained unclear if Hermoso's response was visible in the footage. Additionally, Rubiales has publicly acknowledged making a mistake during the incident yet has firmly denied committing any criminal offense.
This incident led to widespread public outcry and set in motion a movement aimed at combating sexism in sports across Spain. It also drew attention to the need for robust discussions on consent and the treatment of female athletes.
Rubiales, who resigned amidst intensifying pressure and a FIFA suspension, faces serious allegations, including sexual assault. Prosecutors are pursuing a sentence of up to two-and-a-half years in prison for him. The trial is poised to continue until February 19, 2024.
Three of Rubiales' former colleagues face similar charges related to apparent coercion involving Hermoso's public statements. The case stands at a poignant intersection of sports, ethics, and social reform, as it continues to unfold in the public eye.
During his testimony at Spain's National Court, Rubiales claimed that Hermoso had embraced him and that he felt it was a fitting gesture in celebration of her achievement. “This was a tremendous moment for her,” he stated, emphasizing the long-standing relationship he had with Hermoso, which he believed justified the kiss. He indicated that before leaning in, he asked if he could kiss her, to which he thought she consented affirmatively.
However, the incident sparked significant controversy, with Ms. Hermoso asserting that she never gave permission for the kiss. She testified that the event marred what should have been one of the happiest days of her life. In her prior statements, she highlighted the implications of power dynamics in the moment, noting how the approach from her superior felt inappropriate within both social and professional boundaries.
To support his defense, Rubiales employed a lip-reading expert who claimed that video analysis suggested he asked if he could give her a kiss. However, it remained unclear if Hermoso's response was visible in the footage. Additionally, Rubiales has publicly acknowledged making a mistake during the incident yet has firmly denied committing any criminal offense.
This incident led to widespread public outcry and set in motion a movement aimed at combating sexism in sports across Spain. It also drew attention to the need for robust discussions on consent and the treatment of female athletes.
Rubiales, who resigned amidst intensifying pressure and a FIFA suspension, faces serious allegations, including sexual assault. Prosecutors are pursuing a sentence of up to two-and-a-half years in prison for him. The trial is poised to continue until February 19, 2024.
Three of Rubiales' former colleagues face similar charges related to apparent coercion involving Hermoso's public statements. The case stands at a poignant intersection of sports, ethics, and social reform, as it continues to unfold in the public eye.
