Ex-Spain Soccer Coach Denies Coercion Allegations in Rubiales Kiss Trial

Jorge Vilda testifies he sought to address media attention but denies pressuring Jenni Hermoso to downplay non-consensual kiss by Luis Rubiales after World Cup win.

Former Spain women's soccer coach Jorge Vilda testified he spoke to Jenni Hermoso's brother about addressing the controversy surrounding Luis Rubiales' kiss but denied coercion allegations.
Rubiales, the former soccer federation president, is on trial for sexual assault and coercion after kissing Hermoso without her consent during the 2023 Women's World Cup medal ceremony.
Prosecutors argue the kiss was non-consensual and are seeking a 2.5-year prison sentence for Rubiales, along with fines and a sports ban, while Rubiales maintains the kiss was consensual.
Vilda and two former federation officials face separate coercion charges for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to downplay the incident; all three deny wrongdoing.
The trial has spotlighted sexism in sports and the broader workplace, with a verdict expected in the coming weeks.