Aoba Tanaka 
Former football federation president Luis Rubiales is set to face trial following a judge’s proposal over the controversial kiss involving women’s World Cup captain Jenni Hermoso. The judge found sufficient evidence to proceed with the trial, citing the kiss as “not consensual” and a “unilateral and surprising initiative” during the trophy presentation after Spain’s World Cup victory in Australia.
The incident, in which Rubiales grabbed Hermoso’s head and kissed her, stirred controversy when she asserted that the kiss was not consensual. Rubiales denies the allegations, and prosecutors have charged him with sexual assault and coercion. Penalties for such actions range from fines to four years in prison.
The trial will also involve other Spanish football executives, including Hermoso’s former coach Jorge Vilda, former marketing manager Rubén Rivera, and men’s team sports director Albert Luque. They are accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual. The trio, along with Rubiales, will face trial, according to the judge.
During the hearing at the Audencia Nacional in Madrid, Hermoso, Spain’s top scorer, testified that the kiss was “unexpected and at no time consensual.” She initially issued a statement after the incident, indicating consensuality but later revealed pressure from Spanish football federation officials.
The controversial kiss occurred during the medal ceremony in Sydney on August 20, 2023, following Spain’s triumph over England. The incident led to Rubiales’ resignation as the president of the Spanish football federation and ignited global outrage against sexism in women’s sports at the highest levels.
