Sports
Luis Rubiales Defends World Cup Kiss, Claims Jenni Hermoso Consented
- Luis Rubiales insists Jenni Hermoso consented to the kiss during Spain’s World Cup celebrations.
- Hermoso denies giving permission, stating the incident “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
- Rubiales faces trial for sexual assault and coercion, with prosecutors seeking a 2.5-year jail sentence.
Luis Rubiales has testified in court that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso consented to the kiss he gave her after Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.
The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion, accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual.
Speaking before Spain’s National Court in Madrid, Rubiales, 47, insisted he was “absolutely sure” Hermoso agreed to the kiss, describing it as a “completely spontaneous” act of affection.
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The kiss took place during the medal ceremony following Spain’s triumph in Australia, sparking widespread protests and calls for Rubiales’ resignation. He has denied any criminal wrongdoing.
“Jenni embraced me,” Rubiales told the court. “I’ve known her for many years, and I kissed her because she was a champion. It was a tremendous moment for her, for all of us. We were thanking each other.”
He added that Hermoso “pressed him very hard by the waist” and that he asked if he could kiss her, to which she allegedly said yes.
During questioning, Rubiales admitted he could not recall if he had asked for a “kiss” or a “little kiss,” but believed it was the latter. He acknowledged he was aware of protocols against sexual harassment and violence.
However, Hermoso previously testified that she had never consented, calling the kiss “unwanted” and saying it had “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
“My boss was kissing me. This shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting,” she said, adding, “A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”
Hermoso further alleged that she was pressured to approve a statement downplaying the incident, which she refused. She also testified that Rubiales urged her to record a video with him on the flight home as he faced growing criticism.
An expert in lip reading testified that video footage showed Rubiales asking, “Can I give you a kiss?” though Hermoso’s face was not visible.
Rubiales acknowledged his actions “were not appropriate” and admitted he “made a mistake,” but insisted no offence was committed. He criticized the level of media attention, calling it “ridiculous,” and claimed Hermoso never expressed discontent over the kiss immediately afterward.
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Rubiales resigned in September 2023 after FIFA suspended him and Spanish prosecutors launched an investigation.
Three former RFEF officials—World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, ex-head of marketing Rubén Rivera, and former sporting director Albert Luque—are also on trial, accused of assisting in the alleged coercion. All deny the charges.
Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales. The trial continues until 19 February.
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