Spain women’s national football team player Jenni Hermoso double downs on accusation; kiss with Luis Rubiales was ‘at no point consensual’

Luis Rubiales might face up to 4 years of imprisonment if he is found guilty of se*xual assault.

Spain women’s national football team player Jenni Hermoso double downs on accusation; kiss with Luis Rubiales was ‘at no point consensual’

Jenni Hermoso testified in court that kiss with Luis Rubiales was not consensual. (Image via The Guardian and BBC)

Spanish women’s team player, Jenni Hermoso testified against former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president, Luis Rubiales, stating that the kiss was imposed on her and was never consensual. Hermoso shared her version of the incident from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final during her court appearance in Madrid.

Hermoso, a member of the Spanish team that triumphed in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, secured a 1-0 victory against England in the finals in Sydney. During the medal presentation, the team received their medals, and Hermoso, aged 33, was unexpectedly kissed on the lips by then RFEF President, Luis Rubiales. Rubiales later apologized, calling it a spontaneous act, but Hermoso felt differently, deeming it inappropriate and non-consensual. This led to widespread attention, prompting Rubiales to resign despite denying any wrongdoing.

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In September 2023, the situation intensified when Jenni Hermoso officially filed a criminal complaint accusing Rubiales of se*ual assault. During her recent testimony, she revealed that RFEF members attempted to pressure her to ease the scrutiny on Rubiales following the controversial kiss. Speaking for two and a half hours, she asserted that the kiss was unexpected and never consensual. Hermoso emphasized her unwillingness for the kiss, identifying herself as a ‘victim of assault’ and highlighting that, under Spanish law, a non-consensual kiss could qualify as se*ual assault.

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Following a recent court hearing, Judge Francisco de Jorge will decide if Luis Rubiales will face trial for sexual assault and coercion. Additionally, Spain’s 2023 World Cup coach, Jorge Vilda, along with RFEF executives Albert Luque and Ruben Rivera, are being investigated.

FIFA issued a 3-year ban to ex-RFEF president Luis Rubiales for a kissing incident involving Jenni Hermoso

FIFA imposed a three-year ban on ex-Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales in October 2023, due to alleged misconduct involving Spanish women’s team player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The incident involved Rubiales forcibly kissing Hermoso on the lips.

Ex-RFEF president, Luis Rubiales was banned by FIFA over three incidents in the 2023 Women's WC final
Ex-RFEF president, Luis Rubiales was banned by FIFA over three incidents in the 2023 Women’s WC final. (Image via The Guardian)

The FIFA disciplinary committee investigated Rubiales for breaking rules during the final. He got in trouble for carrying a player on his shoulder and making an inappropriate gesture in front of Queen Letizia and Princess Sofia. After resigning from his positions due to pressure from players and the government, he received a suspension.

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