Jenni Hermoso Accuses Former Spanish Football Federation President of Sexual Assault and Coercion

Jenni Hermoso's Testimony in Court

Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish footballer, recounted the distressing experience she endured following Spain's World Cup victory in August 2023. She described how the then president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, grabbed and kissed her on the lips without her consent, ruining one of the happiest moments of her life.

Hermoso stated that Rubiales did not seek her permission for the kiss and that she felt disrespected and violated. She emphasized that she only kisses people on the lips when she chooses to and that Rubiales' actions were completely out of place.

The footballer further explained that she was shown a pre-written statement by the federation, claiming that she and Rubiales were good friends and that the kiss was simply a celebratory gesture. Hermoso felt pressured to endorse this statement, despite it being entirely fabricated.

Hermoso also revealed that she received no support or apology from the federation following the incident. Upon returning to Madrid, she and her family were hounded by the media, and she even received death threats. Hermoso expressed that her life has been irrevocably altered by this experience and that she has been unable to fully enjoy her World Cup victory.

Rubiales, who has resigned as president of the federation, maintains his innocence and vows to clear his name. He claims that the truth will prevail and that the public is aware of the facts.

Also on trial are the former head coach of the women's national team Jorge Vilda, the former sporting director Albert Luque, and the former marketing chief Rubén Rivera. All three deny the charges against them.

The trial is expected to last three weeks.