Spain’s Luis Rubiales Faces Trial Over Non-Consensual Kiss at Women’s World Cup

Former Spanish football federation president denies charges of sexual assault and coercion as trial continues in Madrid.

Luis Rubiales is accused of sexual assault for kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso without consent during the 2023 Women’s World Cup medal ceremony.
Prosecutors allege Rubiales and three former federation officials pressured Hermoso to publicly support his version of events, which she refused.
Spain men’s coach Luis de la Fuente testified he was uninvolved in discussions about the incident, focusing solely on football matters during the period in question.
Hermoso testified that the kiss disrespected her and tainted the celebration of Spain’s World Cup victory, calling it a non-consensual act.
Prosecutors are seeking a 2.5-year prison sentence for Rubiales, along with financial penalties and a ban from sports administration.