Spanish women’s football star Jennifer Hermoso has appeared in court as part of the ongoing case against Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), over the controversial kiss during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup medal ceremony.
Spain’s World Cup Victory Overshadowed by Scandal
Spain defeated England 1-0 to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand. However, the celebratory moment turned controversial when Rubiales forcefully kissed Hermoso on the lips during the medal presentation.
Initially, Rubiales refused to resign, dismissing the backlash as an overreaction. However, following widespread criticism and legal scrutiny, he eventually stepped down.
FIFA’s Action: Three-Year Suspension
The scandal escalated when Hermoso publicly stated, “I didn’t like it”, during an Instagram live session, sparking global outrage. FIFA intervened, finding Rubiales guilty of violating Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and banning him from football for three years.
Hermoso Testifies: “It Was Not Consensual”
Hermoso filed a criminal complaint for sexual assault in September 2023. According to The Guardian, she recently testified in court, confirming that the kiss was not consensual, putting Rubiales at serious risk of conviction.
“I felt it was totally out of place. I realized my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or workplace setting.”
Rubiales faces multiple charges among them Sexual Assault (1-year prison sentence if convicted) and
Coercion (18-month sentence for pressuring Hermoso to downplay the incident)
Coercion & Federation Neglect
Rubiales, along with former Spain women’s coach Jorge Vilda, allegedly pressured Hermoso to release a joint apology statement, which she refused.
Key Revelations from Hermoso’s Testimony:
1.The Spanish FA released a statement on her behalf without her consent.
2.She was presented with the statement upon arrival in Madrid, after the World Cup final.
3.She felt isolated and received no support from the federation.
4.She endured death threats and lost her sense of freedom after the incident.
