Luis Rubiales on trial: How one kiss sparked a football scandal

Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), is now facing trial for sexual assault and coercion after an incident that overshadowed Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory.  Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence, arguing that Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent and later tried to pressure her into publicly backing his version of events.

During his court appearance, Rubiales has maintained his innocence, telling the judge, “I am absolutely sure that she gave me her permission.” He claimed the kiss was a spontaneous act of celebration. But Hermoso, who testified earlier, has firmly stated, “I felt disrespected. It was not consensual.”

The controversy began on August 20, 2023, as Spain’s women’s team lifted their first-ever World Cup trophy. During the medal ceremony, Rubiales pulled Hermoso close and kissed her on the lips. The moment was caught on camera, sparking outrage and calls for action.

Rubiales initially dismissed the backlash, insisting it was “a mutual, joyful act.” However, as pressure mounted, he eventually resigned from his position. FIFA also banned him from football for three years.

With Hermoso standing firm and Spanish authorities pursuing the case aggressively, all eyes remain on the courtroom as the saga unfolds.