Spanish Footballer Testifies Against Former Federation President in Alleged Assault Case

Jenni Hermoso, a World Cup-winning Spanish footballer, has testified in a Madrid court, stating that a kiss from former football federation president Luis Rubiales was “not consensual.” The incident occurred after the World Cup final last year when Rubiales allegedly grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips. The court will decide whether Rubiales should face trial for sexual assault and coercion.

Hermoso, Spain’s top scorer, testified for around two and a half hours, emphasizing that the kiss was unexpected and non-consensual. She had previously given similar testimony to prosecutors several months ago. The court is reviewing evidence, including CCTV footage, to determine whether the case should proceed to trial.

The kiss took place during the medal ceremony in Sydney following Spain’s victory over England. Initially, a statement attributed to Hermoso suggested the kiss was consensual, but she later claimed pressure from football federation officials to sign the statement. Rubiales, who denies the allegations, is being investigated for possible coercion related to the alleged pressure on Hermoso.

Other figures being investigated include Jorge Vilda, the coach who led the team to World Cup glory before being sacked, and Albert Luque and Rubén Rivera, both federation executives. In Spain, a kiss without consent can be considered a form of sexual assault under the law.

Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish football federation after the incident, and prosecutors initiated an investigation. In September, a judge barred Rubiales from going within 200 meters of Hermoso. Despite Rubiales claiming the kiss was a “consensual peck,” the investigation continues.

Hermoso, now 33, recently announced a club change, moving from Mexico’s Pachuca to Tigres UANL. The case has brought her into the public spotlight, and she has become a prominent figure in discussions about equality and solidarity in sports.

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Key Points:

• Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso testifies in a Madrid court that a kiss from former federation president Luis Rubiales was non-consensual.
• The court will decide whether Rubiales should face trial for sexual assault and coercion.
• Hermoso emphasizes the unexpected and non-consensual nature of the kiss, supported by previous testimony given to prosecutors.
• The investigation includes other figures such as coach Jorge Vilda and federation executives Albert Luque and Rubén Rivera.
• In Spain, a kiss without consent can be considered a form of sexual assault under the law.
• Rubiales resigned as federation president, and a judge barred him from approaching Hermoso. The investigation continues.

The case highlights issues of consent and power dynamics in sports, with potential consequences for those involved, including the former federation president and other officials.