Spain’s football player, Jenni Hermoso, has testified in court that a kiss from Luis Rubiales during the Women’s World Cup in 2023 was “unexpected” and not consensual.
Hermoso provided her account of the incident in a Madrid court following Spain’s World Cup victory in August 2023.
Luis Rubiales, then the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), kissed Hermoso, who informed the judge that the act was non-consensual.
Following the incident, Spanish prosecutors initiated a criminal investigation, and a judge will determine whether Rubiales will face charges of sexual assault and coercion.
Hermoso told the court the kiss was “unexpected and in no way consensual.” The World Cup winner also said she believed she had been a “victim of assault.”.
Hermoso refused to say any more after leaving the court, telling reporters only: “All is in the hands of justice; that’s all I can say.”
Rubiales has refuted the accusations and declined to apologise, asserting that the kiss was a “mutual” act.
Despite his denial, he was compelled to resign from his position as the president of the RFEF and received a three-year ban from football imposed by FIFA in light of the controversy.
If found guilty of sexual assault, Rubiales may be subject to a four- or five-year prison sentence, as reported by the Guardian.
Hermoso has acknowledged the challenging nature of life following the scandal, revealing that she has sought the assistance of a psychologist due to receiving threats.
Despite the difficulties, the 33-year-old has made a comeback to the Spain squad, registering a goal in her first game back against Italy.
Additionally, she recently concluded a transfer from Pachuca to Tigres.