Former Spanish football president Luis Rubiales is set to face trial for allegedly kissing forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the World Cup final awards ceremony in Sydney. Investigative judge Francisco de Jorge ruled that Rubiales’ kiss was “unconsented and carried out unilaterally and in a surprising fashion,” according to the court.
State prosecutors accused Rubiales of sexual assault and attempted to coerce Hermoso into publicly supporting him amid the backlash. Despite initially claiming victimhood in a campaign led by “false feminists,” Rubiales resigned from his post in August due to his behaviour, denying any wrongdoing.
The judge also ruled that former Spain coach Jorge Vilda, sports director Albert Luque, and the federation’s former head of marketing Rubén Rivera should face trial for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to defend Rubiales, a step she refused to take.
Jenni Hermoso, Spain’s all-time leading scorer, who plays in the Mexican league, received widespread support in the country. The trial date is yet to be determined.
The kiss scandal has sparked hopes of a reckoning with sexism in Spanish sports. Based on a sexual consent law passed in 2022, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty.
The incident led to Hermoso and her teammates refusing to play under Rubiales’ leadership, returning only after the government mediated an agreement to overhaul protocols and provide more support to the women’s side under the federation’s interim president.
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