What to know about the World Cup kiss trial involving Luis Rubiales

Former Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales is on trial for allegedly kissing player Jenni Hermoso without getting her permission during the 2023 women’s World Cup trophy presentation.

The case’s background is as follows:

WHO IS HE?

Up until 2009, Rubiales, 47, played defense for Hamilton Academical in Scotland and a number of lower league clubs in Spain. Before winning the position of president of the RFEF in 2018, he served as president of the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE). He pledged to enhance openness, boost turnover, and modernize its structure.

Two days prior to Spain’s 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, Rubiales fired manager Julen Lopetegui because the coach had a pre-agreement to join Real Madrid following the competition. When players on the Spanish women’s team rebelled against then-coach Jorge Vilda in 2022, there was even more controversy. Vilda, who had the support of the RFEF, removed 12 of the 15 players from the team that won the 2023 World Cup.

RUBIALES DID WHAT?

Rubiales clutched his crotch in joy when near Spain’s Queen Letizia and 16-year-old Princess Sofia on August 20, 2023, after the final whistle blew in Australia and Spain had defeated England 1-0. He kissed Hermoso’s lips and held her on the head as he gave her her award.

“Hey, I didn’t like it” was Hermoso’s initial response, as shown in the video from the locker room. She denied any role in that statement and continued by claiming she was a victim of sexism and did not consent to the kiss, despite the federation citing her the next day for downplaying the event.

Rubiales first referred to criticism as “idiots” before expressing regret. A video of him saying, “Surely I was wrong, I have to admit,” was released. “It was without bad faith at a time of maximum effusiveness.”

AUTHORITIES: WHAT HAVE THEY DONE?

global governing body Rubiales was given a 90-day temporary suspension from football by FIFA. At first, he refused to step down, but as demand increased, he did. He eventually received a three-year suspension from FIFA from any football-related activity.

WHAT HAS HERMOSO DONE?

Hermoso filed a criminal case against Rubiales in September 2023. Rubiales was then charged with coercion and sexual assault by Spanish prosecutor Marta Durantez.

The prosecution asked for a restraining order against Rubiales, notwithstanding his denial of any culpability, to prevent him from approaching Hermoso within 500 meters.

Rubiales was charged by Durantez in March 2024 with one case of sexual assault and one count of compulsion, which carried one-year and one-and-a-half-year prison sentences, respectively. A court put Rubiales to trial in May.

Hermoso is also accused of being coerced by former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, sporting director Albert Luque, and federation marketing chief Ruben Rivera.

HOW HAS THERE BEEN REACTIONS?

In addition to widespread public outrage in Spain and other countries, Rubiales’ acts also caused a reaction against feminism in some quarters.

The socialist government of Spain has adopted a firm stance: “We are sending the correct message to the world, that sexism is over,” Equality Minister Irene Montero told Reuters, while Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz called the kiss a “attack.”

Many individuals in the game, including well-known men like Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez, denounced Rubiales. Under the present administration, 81 professionals—including every member of the women’s World Cup winning team—announced their intention to leave the national team.

Afterward, what happens?

In the case, Hermoso, Rubiales, and his co-accused will all be required to testify in court.

Rubiales might spend up to two and a half years in prison, but in Spain, those who receive sentences shorter than two years can typically avoid going to jail by paying damages instead, provided they have no past convictions.

He has the option to appeal the ruling.