Luis Rubiales says that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso agreed to a kiss that gave her after the finals of the 2023 Women’s Cup.
Former president of the royal Spanish Football Federation (Rfef) is currently facing trial for charges of sexual abuse and coercion, with accusations of pressing Hermos that he has declared the kiss consensus.
Appearing before the Spanish National Court in Madrid, Rubiales said, “I was absolutely sure” that Hermoso agreed to a kiss. He described the moment as “completely spontaneously.”
The controversial incident occurred during the medal ceremony after the Spanish triumph in the World Cup, causing wide protests and demands for Rubiales resignation. Continues to negate any criminal abuse.
During the testimony, Rubiales added: “This was a huge moment for her. We thanked each other, pressed me a lot around my waist and then I asked her if I could kiss her and she said yes.
“I grabbed her so he wouldn’t fall back.”
🚨🗣️ Rubiales Narra lo sucidido en aquella entrega de medals: “I acreretó muy fuerte, i levantó, le pregogunté puedo darte un Hisito y me dijo vale” pic.twitter.com/fdzcoynrhz
– Marca (@marca) 11 February 2025
When asked in court about the exact formulation he used when he was looking for a kiss – whether he said a “kiss” or “little kiss” – Rubiales replied, “I can’t remember exactly, but I think it was a small kiss.”
He was also asked if he was aware of the regulations of sexual harassment and sexual violence, which he confirmed to be.
In his previous court statements, Hermoso firmly denied his consent, saying that the incident “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
On Tuesday, he testified to the lip reading expert in court, analyzing videos on which Hermos’s face was not visible. According to their findings, Rubiales asked, “Can I kiss you?”
Although Rubiales admitted that his actions on the podium were inappropriate, he insisted that the crime had not been committed. “I was wrong,” he admitted. “My behavior was not appropriate and I should have been in an institutional role.”
Prosecutors are looking for a two -year prison sentence for Rubiales.
