By The former president of Spain’s football federation, Luis Rubiales, goes on trial on Monday, accused of sexual assault for kissing the player Jenni Hermoso, in a case which has fed into wider discussions about sexism and consent.
Spain’s former football federation president, Luis Rubiales, is facing trial for alleged sexual assault after kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. The incident occurred during the 2023 Women’s World Cup celebration, where Spain’s team won the title. Rubiales grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips, sparking public protests and calls for his resignation. Hermoso later stated that the kiss was not consensual, while Rubiales claimed otherwise.
The trial, which runs until February 19, also includes accusations of coercion against Rubiales, who allegedly pressured Hermoso to claim the kiss was consensual. Rubiales denies the charges. Prosecutors are seeking a one-year sentence for sexual assault and an additional one-and-a-half years for coercion.
The case has highlighted broader discussions about sexism and consent in sports. Political figures like Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez have condemned Rubiales’s actions as indicative of the need for further progress toward gender equality. Many former and current female football players have expressed their disappointment, with some, like Isabel Fuentes, lamenting how the controversy overshadowed Spain’s historic World Cup victory.
On the other hand, younger players like Belén Peralta see positive changes in the acceptance of women’s football, noting how attitudes have shifted toward greater respect and support for female athletes.
