Spain forward Jenni Hermoso testified at Luis Rubiales’ trial on Monday, stating that she did not consent to being kissed by the country’s former top soccer official after winning the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Hermoso expressed feeling coerced to publicly exonerate Rubiales following the incident, which she described as disrespectful and tarnishing one of the happiest days of her life.
The kiss at the Women's World Cup final presentation ceremony sparked outrage in Spain, highlighting concerns about sexism in sports. Rubiales, facing charges of sexual assault and coercion, denied wrongdoing, attributing the kiss to a moment of jubilation. Subsequently, he resigned and received a three-year ban from FIFA.
