Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
JENNI Hermoso told day one of a Madrid trial on Monday that she gave no permission to have the ‘infamous’ kiss planted on her by ex-Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales.
Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup in Sydney, back in August of 2023, was overshadowed because of this incident.
Rubiales (47) is accused of sexual assault, and of pressuring Hermoso, and others, to publicly support him.
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Jenni Hermoso, who testified in the case, said that Rubiales kissed her without her consent and that she was forced to publicly clear Rubiales of the charges.
“I felt disrespected … I think it was a moment that… well, they stained one of the happiest days of my life,” Hermoso said.
Rubiales denies the charges but has been forced to resign as president of the Spanish FA. He is also banned from FIFA and will be out for three years.
He has claimed that he’s the victim of a witch hunt by ‘fake’ feminists and that the kiss was consensual.
Prosecutors, Hermoso and the Spanish Footballers’ Association have asked for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, the payment of €50,000 in compensation, and a life ban from being a sports administrator.
Hermoso replied that Rubiales never asked her permission to kiss.
“At the time, I couldn’t understand or hear anything. Hermoso said that the next thing he did after putting his hands on my ear was to kiss me on the lips.
The trial will last for at least 10 working days. Among the 20 or so witnesses called to testify, are Luis de la Fuente, the coach of the men’s national football team, and Hermoso teammates, such as Alexia Putellas.
Albert Luque is the Spanish men’s sporting director. Ruben Riva, the former federation’s marketing chief and former Spain coach Jorge Vilda are also in court.
Hermoso faces charges of coercion because they tried to force her into saying the Rubiales Kiss was consensual.
