‘Rubiales and Hermoso kiss was not consensual’ — court declares as three other ex-Spain bosses also set to stand trial

In a significant development shaking the foundations of Spanish football, the case of Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso has captured public and media attention.

This case involves serious allegations against Rubiales, the former head of Spain's football federation, by Hermoso, a prominent figure in women's football. The heart of the matter lies in an incident of an unconsented kiss, raising crucial questions about consent and the treatment of women in sports.

Jenni Hermoso, a celebrated figure in Spanish women's football, has accused Luis Rubiales of an unconsented kiss. 

This incident occurred following Spain's victory at the Women’s World Cup. Hermoso's testimony, given in a Madrid court, emphasized that the kiss was "at no point consensual" and alleged that there was pressure from Rubiales' staff to downplay the incident.

According to Football Espana, Rubiales is facing serious charges, potentially leading to a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years, as per Spain's new sexual consent law. This law makes no distinction between 'sexual harassment' and 'sexual assault,' thereby categorizing any non-consensual sexual act as assault. 

The case is being examined by Judge Francisco de Jorge, who is also taking testimonies from other World Cup-winning players, coaches, and federation officials.

The incident has caused significant turmoil in Spanish football, leading to widespread condemnation and a boycott of the national team by World Cup-winning players. This crisis eventually led to Rubiales' resignation from his position. FIFA has also imposed a three-year ban on Rubiales, effective until after the men's 2026 World Cup.

Hermoso has been vocal about the impact of the incident, stating that she received threats in the aftermath. She has been supported by several teammates and figures in the football world.

Jenni Hermoso, in her courageous stance against Luis Rubiales, has faced significant challenges following the incident at the Women’s World Cup. Her struggle encompasses not only the immediate aftermath of the incident but also the broader implications it has had on her personal and professional life.

Hermoso has been open about the difficulties she faced after the incident. She mentioned receiving threats, although details about these threats were not elaborated. The mental and emotional toll of such an experience, particularly in the public eye, cannot be underestimated.

One of the key aspects of Hermoso's struggle is the alleged pressure from Rubiales' staff to minimize the incident. This pressure extended not just to Hermoso but also to her family, illustrating the complex dynamics of power and influence in sports institutions.

As the judicial process continues, the football community and the public await the court's decision. This case highlights the increasing awareness and seriousness of sexual misconduct issues within the sports world.

The Rubiales-Hermoso case is more than just a legal battle; it represents a pivotal moment in the fight against sexual misconduct in sports and could have far-reaching implications for how such issues are handled in the future.