Luis Rubiales, the former head of the Spanish soccer federation, is set to stand trial following allegations of sexual assault linked to an incident where he kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. This event occurred during the trophy presentation of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in August 2023, after Spain clinched victory over England.
The kiss, which was broadcast globally, sparked widespread outrage and has had significant repercussions in the world of sports, igniting debates about sexism in soccer. Rubiales has denied the accusations, claiming the interaction was consensual, a statement contradicted by Hermoso and supported by her teammates. This case has led to Rubiales’ resignation and a subsequent three-year ban from FIFA.
A Spanish judge has described the kiss as “unconsented and unilateral,” setting the stage for a trial where Rubiales faces charges of sexual assault and coercion. The trial will also involve other federation officials accused of pressuring Hermoso to state the kiss was consensual. The charges could lead to a prison sentence of one to four years for Rubiales if convicted under Spain’s strict sexual consent laws, which do not differentiate between sexual harassment and assault.
The forthcoming trial in Madrid’s Audiencia Nacional has yet to be scheduled, but the court has set a substantial bail reflecting the potential civil liabilities Rubiales may face.