Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, faces trial for sexual assault, with Jenni Hermoso as the primary witness. Hermoso, who accused Rubiales of a non-consensual kiss after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory, has become a vocal advocate against sexual violence in sports. The trial will examine the toxic environment within the team and the pressures faced by Hermoso. The prosecution is seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, with proceedings expected to last until February 19.
Tense Trials Ahead for Luis Rubiales
The courtroom is set for a highly charged atmosphere as the trial of Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, commences this Monday. He faces serious charges of sexual assault, with the first witness being the victim herself, Jenni Hermoso. Hermoso has emerged as a powerful advocate against sexism and sexual violence in sports, having accused Rubiales of forcibly kissing her on August 20, 2023, a moment that should have been celebratory after Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final.
Unraveling the Controversy
During the celebration, Rubiales approached Hermoso and kissed her without giving her a chance to respond. Initially, Hermoso defended him, but soon after, she clarified that the kiss was non-consensual and that she had been pressured to remain silent about the incident. This revelation led to a united front from the 23 players of the national team, who demanded Rubiales’ resignation, threatening to withdraw from the team if he refused to step down.
Rubiales maintained his stance, claiming the kiss was consensual. He received a 90-day suspension from FIFA, but Gianni Infantino, the organization’s president, showed support for him, suggesting that players should “choose their battles wisely.” Following mounting pressure, Rubiales issued an apology and criticized what he termed “false feminism,” while simultaneously threatening legal action against Hermoso for her accusations. In a controversial move, the Federation attempted to discredit Hermoso by releasing screenshots of the kiss to suggest her consent.
After weeks of tension, Rubiales finally resigned, but the trial is set to bring numerous witnesses, including Hermoso’s teammates, coaches, and football officials. He is expected to testify on February 12, alongside other defendants such as former women’s team coach Jorge Vilda and two ex-officials from the RFEF. The trial will delve into the toxic environment within the team, with players alleging Vilda maintained a “dictatorial control” over them, including invasive practices that violated their privacy.
As the Spanish prosecutor seeks a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, the indictment asserts that the kiss was executed “by surprise and without the consent or acceptance of the player.” It also highlights the pressures exerted on Hermoso to publicly justify Rubiales’ actions. The trial is expected to continue until February 19, drawing significant attention from the public and media alike.