The trial of Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), commenced today amid international scrutiny. The case centers on Rubiales' non-consensual kiss on soccer player Jenni Hermoso during the celebratory events following Spain's victory at the Women's World Cup on August 20, 2023, over England. Rubiales faces serious charges, including sexual assault and coercion, which could lead to two and a half years of prison time.
The proceedings are taking place at the Audiencia Nacional in San Fernando de Henares, chosen for its capacity to handle the significant media presence this case has attracted. Both Spanish and international media outlets, including those from Germany, the UK, the U.S. and Mexico, have gathered outside the court to cover the high-profile trial.
Rubiales’ actions have ignited widespread controversy, particularly over the supposed power dynamics at play during the celebratory moment intended to honor Spain's historic World Cup win. Hermoso has been vocal about the incident, stating unequivocally, "The kiss was not consensual," emphasizing the need for workplace respect and boundaries. According to reports from sources like La Audiencia Nacional, Hermoso's testimony began today, reaffirming her version of events.
The saga began when Rubiales celebrated Spain's monumental win not only with the players but also by making lewd gestures during the medal ceremony. Hermoso described the moment leading up to the kiss, recalling Rubiales holding her head and kissing her unexpectedly. She stated, "I felt surprised and disrespected... My focus was on the team’s victory, and I wasn’t expecting to be treated this way by someone I worked with."
Subsequently, Rubiales attempted to downplay the incident, asserting it was merely 'spontaneous affection' stemming from the joy of winning. During his appearance before the media, he claimed, "No one should make something out of nothing," reflecting his perception of the incident as harmless. Yet this narrative has met heavy backlash, particularly as Hermoso, along with various players and supporters, expressed feelings of violation and discomfort.
Shortly after the incident, Rubiales reportedly pressured Hermoso and others associated with her to mitigate the fallout. According to her statements, he pitched the idea of releasing a joint statement painted as mutual consent, which labeled the kiss as "a spontaneous gesture of affection." Hermoso flatly rejected this notion, articulately declaring, "I won’t be part of something I didn’t agree with. I felt vulnerable." This led to accusations of coercion against not only Rubiales but several members of the RFEF, including former coaches and directors who allegedly tried to persuade Hermoso to publicly support Rubiales.
The reaction from the international sports community has been equally fierce. Following the incident, demonstrators took to the streets under the #SeAcabó banner, advocating against the toxic masculinity exemplified by Rubiales’ conduct. Prominent figures, including members of the government, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unacceptability of such behavior, particularly within professional sports environments.
On August 25, 2023, Rubiales initially refused to resign, instead claiming he was the victim of "false feminism". This stance ignited outrage, causing several national team players to publicly state they would no longer participate under his leadership. Eventually, under intense pressure, he resigned on September 10, 2023.
A significant step occurred when the Spanish prosecution opened formal investigations following Hermoso's complaint to authorities. The Public Prosecutor's Office acted on six prior complaints but had delayed without Hermoso's participation. Her testimony was deemed necessary to proceed with the criminal case. This led to more developments—including demands by the prosecution for Rubiales to stay away from Hermoso, emphasizing the serious nature of the charges against him.
During today’s proceedings, Hermoso reiterated the intensity of the pressuring she faced post-incident. She stated, "I was bombarded with requests to change my narrative, to protect Rubiales, and I felt completely isolated. No one from the RFEF reached out to see how I was doing. This should not occur within any profession. No one should feel powerless where they work."
The court is expected to hear various testimonies from Hermoso’s teammates and staff who can corroborate her claims of coercion and lack of consent. Key witnesses, including well-known players such as Alexia Putellas and Misa Rodríguez, are set to give their statements supporting Hermoso’s account of the events following the kiss.
The outcome of the trial not only hinges on Rubiales’ fate but also carries historical significance for sports governance and the broader cultural discourse on consent and sexism within the sports industry. With the prosecution seeking prison time and significant financial restitution for Hermoso, the trial is poised to become one of Spain's most watched legal battles.
With the trial set to last several weeks, there will undoubtedly be more developments and debates surrounding this incident, fundamentally changing how similar situations are perceived and managed moving forward.
Rubiales’ legal strategy, coupled with the testimonies of prominent athletes, will determine the repercussions not only for him personally but also for the cultural shift within sports management concerning female athletes.