Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales told his trial on Tuesday he was “totally sure” Jenni Hermoso consented to his kiss during the 2023 Women’s World Cup medal ceremony, an incident that sparked global outrage.
The case, which began on February 3, has gripped Spain and turned Hermoso into a symbol of the fight against sexism in sports.
Rubiales resigned in disgrace in 2023 after the kiss, which prosecutors argue was non-consensual. They are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence: one year for sexual assault and 18 months for allegedly coercing Hermoso to downplay the incident.
During his testimony, Rubiales claimed Hermoso “squeezed” him in a hug, lifted him off the ground, and consented to the kiss. “What happened had no importance for her or me,” he hinted, calling it “an act of affection.”
A lip-reading expert testified that Rubiales had asked, “Can I give you a kiss?” based on video footage where Hermoso’s face was not visible.
While admitting his behaviour “was not appropriate,” Rubiales denied any wrongdoing, insisting he had not pressured Hermoso to defend him.
Hermoso testified that the kiss was non-consensual and left her feeling “disrespected,” while teammates said she was left in tears and “overwhelmed.”
Prosecutors are also seeking 18-month jail terms for former women’s team manager Jorge Vilda and two ex-football officials over alleged coercion.
Rubiales, who previously refused to resign and railed against “false feminism,” is also under investigation for alleged financial misconduct linked to the Spanish Super Cup’s move to Saudi Arabia.
