Rubiales Claims Consent in Court Amidst Ongoing Trial

In a recent court appearance, Luis Rubiales defended his actions following the controversial kiss of Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso, claiming it was consensual. The trial, drawing widespread attention, involves accusations of sexual assault and coercion related to the incident.

Luis Rubiales has recently made headlines as he appeared in court asserting that Jenni Hermoso, a prominent Spanish footballer, consented to the kiss he bestowed upon her following Spain's victory in the 2023 Women's World Cup. The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) faces serious accusations including sexual assault and coercing Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual.

During his testimony at Spain's National Court in Madrid, Rubiales expressed confidence that Hermoso agreed to the kiss, describing the moment as "completely spontaneous" and characterized as "an act of affection." He recounted the events that transpired during the medal ceremony held in Australia, noting a genuine exchange of gratitude following Spain’s triumph. Rubiales stated, "This was a tremendous moment for her... I asked her whether I could give her a kiss and she said yes."

As the trial progresses, Rubiales was quizzed about the nature of his request, indicating uncertainty over whether he specifically asked for a "little kiss." He did acknowledge during the proceedings his awareness of established protocols against sexual harassment and violence, yet explicitly denied having committed any wrongdoing.

Conceding that he "made a mistake," Rubiales admitted his behavior was inappropriate for "an institutional role," nevertheless maintaining that the incident should not be classified as an offence. The fallout from the kiss provoked significant backlash, leading to protests against him and calls for his resignation, which he ultimately obliged in September 2023.

Moreover, the ongoing trial includes three of Rubiales' former colleagues—Jorge Vilda, the coach of the victorious team, along with Rubén Rivera and Albert Luque, both former directors linked to the RFEF—who are also accused of complicity in coercion. They all vehemently deny these allegations. Prosecutors are pushing for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales. The proceedings are set to continue until February 19, amidst ongoing media scrutiny and public interest regarding the implications of this case on sports culture and gender relations.