In a high-profile trial in Madrid, Spain women's coach Montse Tomé testified that her decision to omit player Jenni Hermoso from the national team was not intended as punishment. The trial revolves around an incident at the 2023 Women's World Cup final presentation ceremony, where former soccer federation president Luis Rubiales kissed Hermoso. Rubiales faces accusations of sexual assault and coercion, while three other former federation members are also on trial for coercion related to the incident.
Hermoso's brother testified that former team coach Jorge Vilda had allegedly threatened Hermoso, suggesting her future could be at risk if she did not cooperate in downplaying the kiss incident. Tomé, who succeeded Vilda as head coach, explained that she left Hermoso out of the squad to shield her from the media frenzy surrounding the case, citing sporting reasons for her decision.
