Former Spanish Soccer President Faces Trial for Alleged Sexual Assault at World Cup Final
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The ex-president of Spanish soccer, Luis Rubiales, is currently on trial for an alleged sexual assault stemming from an incident involving player Jenni Hermoso at the 2023 World Cup Final. The trial, which commenced in Madrid on Monday, Feb. 3, has drawn attention to the accusations made by Hermoso against Rubiales. The Spanish soccer star, now 34, has claimed that she did not consent to Rubiales kissing her on the lips during the tournament.
In her testimony, Hermoso expressed feeling disrespected by Rubiales’ actions, stating that she was unable to react during the unwanted kiss. She described the incident as tarnishing what should have been one of the happiest moments of her life. Rubiales, who previously served as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), faces charges of sexual assault in relation to the unsolicited kiss following the Spanish women’s team’s victory on Aug. 20, 2023. He resigned from his position as president on Sept. 10.
Alongside Rubiales, three other individuals are also on trial for alleged coercion related to the incident. Rubén Rivera, former head of marketing for the federation, Spain’s team coach Jorge Vilda, and former sporting director Albert Luque are all implicated in the case alongside Rubiales. Hermoso highlighted the inappropriate nature of the kiss during her court appearance and emphasized the necessity for such behavior to be condemned in both social and professional settings.
Prosecutors are seeking a one-year prison sentence for Rubiales on sexual assault charges, which he denies, in addition to a year-and-a-half sentence for coercion, alleging that he pressured Hermoso to state publicly that the kiss was consensual. Hermoso shared in court that she felt unsupported by the federation following the incident, despite previously maintaining a good relationship with Rubiales.
The trial has also shed light on the aftermath of the incident, revealing that Hermoso sought psychological assistance in Mexico following the ordeal. Despite her attempts to downplay the situation initially for the sake of her team, Hermoso expressed feeling unsupported and vulnerable in the aftermath. The trial proceedings have brought to the forefront the complexities of power dynamics and inappropriate conduct within professional sports environments.
Hermoso’s removal from Spain’s women’s national team roster in September 2023, weeks after the incident, was met with speculation and controversy. The decision to exclude her from matches against Spain and Switzerland was framed as a means to protect her, according to statements from team officials. Hermoso later returned to the team in October 2023, marking a tumultuous period for the player following the World Cup Final incident.
Overall, the trial involving Luis Rubiales and the allegations of sexual assault at the World Cup Final serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding respect and consent in all aspects of life, including within the realm of professional sports. The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have implications for the future treatment of similar cases within the sports industry and beyond.
As the proceedings continue, the case remains a focal point for discussions surrounding gender dynamics, power structures, and accountability within the world of sports. The trial represents a significant moment in addressing issues of harassment and misconduct, highlighting the need for robust measures to prevent and address such behaviour in sporting organisations moving forward.