The trial of the Spanish Football Association boss for kissing Jennie Hermoso at the World Cup is over – CSN News

This week, the trial of former President of the Spanish Football Association entered its final phase. Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Association, is accused of coercion and sexual aggression after kissing Jennie Hernandez, captain of the Spanish team, on the lip during the presentation 2023 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Pictures of this kiss were circulated around the world, causing outrage and legal action. This culminated with the trial that was equally publicised in Madrid during the past two week.

The allegations have focused on two main issues: whether Hermoso had given Rubiales permission for the kiss, and whether Rubiales’ entourage tried to convince the women captain to retract her accusations.

Hermoso, in court, denied having given Rubiales permission and claimed that the Spanish football chief had not “respected” her. She said, “My boss kissed my cheek and that shouldn’t happen.”

In the meantime, Rubiales’s side in the trial employed a lips reader to study recordings from the incident at the podium in Australia. He claimed in court that Rubiales actually asked “Can I give a little kiss?” Hermoso. Her response was not audible or visible.

Rubiales testified: “I’m completely certain that she gave her consent.” And there was no sound [playing].”

Also in the dock are the former coach of the Spanish team, Jorge Vilda; former men’s team director, Albert Luque; and ex-head of marketing at the RFEF football association, Rubén Rivera. All three are accused of trying to force the player to downplay the importance of the incident.

Rubiales said that he didn’t send the three “directly or indirect” to pressurize Hermoso. However, Hermoso’s brother testified he was asked by Vilda for him to ask his sister to record a video to “take out the heat” about what happened, something the defendants deny.

The prosecution wants Rubiales to serve two and half years and the other three, one year and half. The judge is retiring this week, and it will take several days for him to render a verdict.