Luis Rubiales Faces Trial Over Forced Kiss at 2023 Women's World Cup

The former Spanish soccer chief is charged with sexual assault and coercion, sparking a broader reckoning over sexism in sports.

Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Federation, is on trial for allegedly forcibly kissing World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony in August 2023.
Prosecutors are seeking a 2.5-year prison sentence for Rubiales, who is also accused of pressuring Hermoso to declare the kiss consensual, a claim she denies.
The incident overshadowed Spain's Women's World Cup victory and became a flashpoint for addressing sexism and inequality in Spanish football.
Rubiales resigned in September 2023 after public outrage, protests, and his suspension by FIFA, while other federation officials and the former women’s team coach Jorge Vilda also faced repercussions.
Hermoso, a leading figure in Spanish football and its all-time top scorer, has become a symbol of resistance against sexism in sports and will testify during the trial.