Former Spanish football boss Luis Rubiales on trial over World Cup kiss

Ex-Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales is on trial in Madrid for kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after their World Cup triumph in 2023.

The tournament took place across Australia and New Zealand and Spain beat the likes of Switzerland, Sweden and the Netherlands to reach the final in Sydney. A first half goal from defender Olga Carmona proved to be the difference in the final against England.

During the trophy ceremony after the match, the story swiftly changed from Spain's history-making triumph to controversy after Rubiales was seen kissing Hermoso on the lips as the players collected their medals. What followed was a scandal that embarrassed Spanish football and ultimately resulted in the president eventually resigning from his role in September 2023.

Now, Rubiales is on trial for sexual assault and coercion charges as Hermoso says the kiss happened without her consent. The 47-year-old, if found guilty, could face a prison sentence of up to four years.

The trial, which is taking place in Madrid, began on Monday and is expected to last until 19 February. Rubiales immediately denied any wrongdoing, insisted the kiss was consensual, and claimed to be the victim of a "witch hunt" by "false feminists".

According to The Independent, Hermoso, the prosecutors and Spain's players' association want a prison sentence of two and a half year for Rubiales, €50,000 (£42,000) in damages, for him to be banned from working as a sports official and a court order banning him from being near her.

Hermoso, who currently plays her football in Mexico for Liga MX Femenil club Tigres, was the first witness in the trial and gave evidence on Monday. She told the court the kiss "stained one of the happiest days of my life".

The 34-year-old insisted she never gave Rubiales permission to kiss her and she felt disrespected as a woman. "I greeted the queen, I greeted her daughter," Hermoso said.

"The next thing was meeting Rubiales. The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth. I didn't hear or understand anything. A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so."

Hermoso then explained she was pulled aside and asked to consent to a statement to minimise the incident, which was already going viral on social media. She says Rubiales then asked her to record a video with him on the flight home from Australia as he was being accused of assault – she refused both.

Along with a sentence for assault, prosecutors are also calling for Rubiales to be given a sentence for coercion as he allegedly tried to pressure Hermoso into saying publicly that the kiss was consensual.

Rubiales denies both charges.

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