In a remarkable courtroom appearance, Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain’s soccer federation, affirmed his conviction that player Jenni Hermoso had consented to the controversial kiss that ignited a nationwide debate about sexism in women’s football. The accusation against him centers on allegations of sexual assault, a charge that now weighs heavily on the court’s deliberations in Madrid.
“I am absolutely sure that she gave me her permission,” Rubiales declared, recalling the moment with surprising clarity. “I asked her: ‘Can I give you a little kiss?’ She said: ‘All right.’ That’s what happened.” His insistence on her consent, however, stands in stark contrast to Hermoso’s experiences and perspectives, underscoring the profound gulf in narrative between the two parties.
At 47 years of age, Rubiales faces serious consequences, accused not only of kissing Hermoso but also of attempting to pressure her—alongside three other officials—from the Spanish soccer federation—to publicly retract any claims of non-consensual behavior following the kiss at the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney.
As the trial unfolds, Rubiales maintains his stance, claiming, as he did in court, that the kiss was a gesture of familiarity given their longstanding relationship. “I might have done the same with a male player or even one of my daughters during New Year celebrations,” he elaborated, attempting to normalize the act with a personal anecdote. Could it be that he genuinely misread the boundaries of professional interaction?
Prosecutors are seeking a substantial sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales. In a legal landscape where sentences under two years often lead to alternatives like monetary compensation, the stakes are nevertheless high—a fact not lost on anyone observing this case. After all, the implications extend beyond Rubiales himself to the entire fabric of sports culture in Spain.
Alongside Rubiales, other prominent figures are entangled in this scandal. Former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, former sporting director Albert Luque, and ex-marketing director Ruben Rivera have also been brought to trial, all charged with complicity in the alleged coercion of Hermoso. Each of them has denied the accusations, creating a complex web of conflicting testimonies and potential fallout.
The controversy erupted spectacularly on August 20, 2023, after Spain’s triumphant victory over England. In a moment that seemed to encapsulate his exuberance, Rubiales celebrated by clenching his crotch while in close proximity to notable dignitaries like Queen Letizia and Princess Sofia. Later, amid the festivities of the medal ceremony, he controversially lifted Hermoso and forcefully pulled her to him, kissing her on the lips. The optics of this act have proven disastrous, morphing what should have been a euphoric celebration into a scene fraught with tension and discontent.
Rubiales is adamant about the absence of sexual intent in his actions. “I believe it didn’t constitute a crime,” he boldly asserted during his testimony, yet added an acknowledgment that he quickly realized the implications of the kiss. “I messed up, it’s obvious at this point. I should have played a more institutional role,” he lamented, perhaps sensing the broader repercussions of his behavior.
For her part, Hermoso described her side of the story as she testified last week: she firmly stated that no consent existed for the kiss. In her words, the incident tarnished what should have been a landmark moment in her life. It raises a compelling question: how often do we sacrifice our own comfort to placate the desires of others, and what does it mean when we finally speak out?
Hermoso recounted feeling pressured to endorse a narrative that downplayed the incident, even alleging that when she declined to acquiesce, Vilda intervened with her brother, implying disastrous consequences for her career should she fail to quash the public outrage surging over social media. In stark contrast, Rubiales disclaimed any responsibility for Vilda’s actions, maintaining that they stemmed purely from a desire “to help her.”
A verdict is anticipated in March, after all witness testimonies conclude. As the trial nears its climax, Rubiales has positioned himself as a victim of an alleged campaign waged by “false feminists.” He initially clung to his presidency but yielded to pressure after a tumultuous public outcry. FIFA subsequently imposed a three-year ban on his participation in all football-related activities, reshaping his role in the sport dramatically.
This trial does not merely expose the actions of one man but also highlights systemic issues embedded within athletic institutions—issues that challenge both the integrity and future of women’s sports. As we watch this legal saga unfold, the dichotomy between public personas and private actions grows ever clearer.
In the end, it raises poignant questions about consent, power dynamics, and accountability in any context, sporting or otherwise. What does it truly require to rewrite a culture steeped in entitlement? The courtroom holds answers that extend far beyond its walls.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring
