Luis Rubiales says that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso consented to the kiss that he gave him after the final of the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is currently faced with a trial for sexual assault and coercion, with accusations that he has put on hermoso to declare the kiss as consensual.
Presenting before the Spanish national court in Madrid, Rubiales said: “I was absolutely sure” that Hermoso had accepted the kiss. He described the moment as “completely spontaneous”.
The controversial incident took place during the medal ceremony after the triumph of Spain in the World Cup, arousing generalized demonstrations and demands for the resignation of Rubials. He continues to deny any criminal act.
During her testimony, Rubials added: “It was a great moment for her. We recover, she pressed me very hard around the waist and then I asked her if I could give her a kiss and she said yes.
“I got it so as not to fall back.”
🚨🗣️ Rubials Narra Lo Suisdido in which the Entega de Medallas: “Me Apretó Muy Fuerte, me levantó, the pregue pedo darte a besito y me dijo vale” pic.twitter.com/fdzcoynrhz
– Marca (@Marca) February 11, 2025
Questioned in court on the exact wording he used when he asked for the kiss – if he said “a kiss” or “a little kiss” – Rubiales replied: “I do not remember exactly, but I think it was a little kiss. “”
He was also asked if he was aware of regulations concerning sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he said he was.
Hermoso in his former judicial declarations, firmly denied having given his consent, saying that the incident “stained one of the happiest days of my life”.
On Tuesday, a lip reading expert testified in court, analyzing video sequences where hermoso’s face was not visible. According to their results, Rubials asked: “Can I give you a kiss?”
Although Rubials recognized that his actions on the podium were inappropriate, he insisted that no crime was committed. “I made a mistake,” he admitted. “My behavior was not appropriate, and I should have played a more institutional role.”
Prosecutors are looking for a two -year and a half year prison sentence for rubials.
