A former Spanish football federation chief, Luis Rubiales, is set to face trial for sexual assault after an unsolicited kiss he planted on Women’s World Cup player Jenni Hermoso during a match against England last year. The incident occurred during a trophy presentation ceremony celebrating Spain’s first ever World Cup win on August 20, 2023.
Ms. Hermoso described the kiss as unwanted and it was captured on camera and broadcast globally, sparking outrage and a national conversation about sexism in Spain. Mr. Rubiales has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In addition to the sexual assault charge, Mr. Rubiales, along with the former coach of the women’s national team, Jorge Vilda, the team’s sporting director, Albert Luque, and the federation’s head of marketing, Ruben Rivera, are all facing charges of coercion. They are accused of pressuring Ms. Hermoso to claim that the kiss was consensual.
The trial will take place at the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid with a bail set for Mr. Rubiales and his co-accused to cover any potential civil liabilities. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences. The date for the trial has not yet been confirmed but it is expected to be highly publicized and closely watched by many people in Spain and around the world
