The Spanish World Cup winner's testimony could send the former RFEF president to jail
Former Barcelona and Spain star Jennifer Hermoso has testified in court against ex-Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, stating that his unwanted kiss at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final ruined what should have been the best moment of her career.
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Hermoso firmly denied giving consent for the kiss, which sparked global outrage and a movement against sexism in sport.
Hermoso reveals feelings about unwanted Rubiales kiss
Speaking at Madrid’s High Court, Hermoso recalled the moment Rubiales grabbed her by the head and kissed her on the lips during the awards ceremony after Spain's historic World Cup win.
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"I knew I was being kissed by my boss and that should not happen in any social or work environment," Hermoso said, adding, "I think it was a moment that tainted one of the happiest days of my life."
Despite Rubiales' claims that the kiss was consensual, Hermoso strongly refuted this, stating, “Never,” when asked if she had agreed to it.
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She explained that she initially struggled to process what had happened but later realised the seriousness of the incident.
Rubiales, who was present in court taking notes but avoiding eye contact with Hermoso, is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion. If found guilty, he could face up to 2 and a half years in prison.
Hermoso testifies about aftermath and pressure
Hermoso also testified about the pressure she faced from Rubiales and the RFEF to downplay the incident.
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She described how officials immediately tried to persuade her to release a statement minimising the kiss, which she refused to do.
She further revealed that Rubiales approached her on the flight back to Madrid, asking her to record a video defending him, claiming that social media was accusing him of assault. "I said no, that I was not going to do anything, that I was not the cause of this," she stated.
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The scandal overshadowed Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup victory and led to widespread protests against sexism in football. It also triggered a strike by Spain’s female players and forced sweeping changes at the RFEF, including the dismissal of Rubiales and former head coach Jorge Vilda.