Controversial kiss: Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales insists player consented
The legal battle continues over sexual misconduct and coercion allegations against former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, who is accused of forcibly kissing Spain’s World Cup-winning player Jenni Hermoso, Daily Mail reports.
Testifying in court, Rubiales denied that the kiss was non-consensual, claiming that he was absolutely sure Hermoso agreed during the 2023 Women's World Cup trophy ceremony.
"She squeezed me very tightly under my armpits, she lifted me, and when I came down I asked her if I can give you a kiss, and she said 'OK', that's what happened. What happened had no importance neither for me nor for her," Rubiales stated.
He further argued that the kiss was meant to celebrate Spain’s historic victory and drew a comparison to New Year’s traditions, saying he also kisses his daughters on New Year's Eve, even though it’s not something they usually do.
Hermoso, however, has a completely different version of events. She maintains that she never gave consent and insists that Rubiales' actions ruined what should have been one of the happiest moments of her life.
Yasmine Green
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
