Jennifer Hermoso Testifies Against Luis Rubiales in Aggression and Coercion Case
Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso appeared in the National Court on Monday to recount the “non-consensual” kiss she received from Luis Rubiales, former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, as well as the pressure she faced in the hours and days following to publicly support the official. Hermoso described how Rubiales “took my head with effusiveness” during the medal ceremony, leaving her unable to respond. She expressed feeling completely out of place and uncomfortable as her boss kissed her, emphasizing that such behavior is unacceptable in any social setting.
Background of the Case
The trial at the National Court has garnered significant media attention both in Spain and internationally. Rubiales faces charges of sexual assault for the non-consensual kiss and coercion for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to justify his actions publicly. The prosecution is seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for the former RFEF president. Three other individuals, including Albert Luque, Jorge Vilda, and Rubén Rivera, are also facing charges of coercion and potentially a year and a half in prison for their involvement in the case.
Hermoso’s Testimony
Under questioning, Hermoso clarified that she did not feel coerced by the prosecution or anyone else to report the incidents. Throughout the proceedings, Rubiales and the other defendants listened to her testimony alongside their legal teams. While Rubiales appeared attentive and engaged, Vilda and Luque closely monitored Hermoso, with Rivera avoiding eye contact and keeping his head down.

Hermoso provided detailed accounts of the events in August 2023, starting with the medal ceremony where Rubiales embraced her and made comments about their victory in the World Cup. She highlighted that the kiss was not requested nor would she have consented to it, emphasizing her discomfort and lack of ability to react in the moment. The footballer expressed feeling disrespected and violated, underscoring that the incident marred what should have been a celebratory moment in her career.
Coercion Allegations
Hermoso revealed that the coercion attempts began immediately after the final in Sydney, with numerous requests for her to publicly defend Rubiales despite her refusal to do so. She recounted a conversation with Rubiales on the stadium’s corridors where he acknowledged the backlash and attempted to justify his actions. The pressure continued on their flight back to Spain, with Rubiales persistently seeking her support, even going as far as asking her to film a video with him to combat allegations of misconduct.
Overall, Hermoso’s testimony shed light on a disturbing incident that overshadowed her professional success and highlighted the power dynamics at play in the sports industry. The trial will continue to unfold as the court examines the evidence and testimonies presented.
Conclusion
The case involving Jennifer Hermoso and Luis Rubiales has brought to the forefront issues of consent, respect, and accountability within sports organizations. As the legal proceedings progress, it is essential to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their position, are held accountable for their actions. Hermoso’s bravery in coming forward serves as a reminder of the importance of creating safe and empowering environments for athletes in all disciplines.
FAQs
1. What are the charges against Luis Rubiales?
Luis Rubiales faces charges of sexual assault for a non-consensual kiss and coercion for pressuring Jennifer Hermoso to publicly support him.
2. How has Jennifer Hermoso responded to the allegations?
Jennifer Hermoso has testified that the kiss was non-consensual, expressing discomfort and violation at Rubiales’ actions.
3. What impact has the case had on the sports industry?
The case has sparked discussions around power dynamics, consent, and accountability within sports organizations, prompting a reexamination of the treatment of athletes and the need for systemic changes.
The Power Struggle in Spanish Football: A Story of Betrayal and Silence
She asked me, please, to do it for her two daughters who were crying in the back of the plane, and I told her I was sorry, but I wasn’t going to do it. And she also said to me: ‘You and I like the same thing, implying…’
The Influence of the President of the RFEF
“Was the power of the president of the RFEF significant within his team and followers?” the prosecutor asked.
“Yes,” Hermoso replied.
The player also recalled how she experienced her return to Spain and the enormous social impact that Rubiales’ kiss had. “I received death threats. Messages of all kinds,” she recounted. “We had to leave Madrid because the situation was untenable.” Did anyone from the RFEF care about how you were? Did they apologize? Did the president, the coach…? “No one. No one is no one. No one approached me to ask how I was. Neither Jorge Vilda… No one bothered to ask me how I was and what was going through my head. I felt unprotected by the RFEF. It was supposed to be my safe place… I was a football player for my country and no one asked me, no one came to tell me anything.
“Were they only talking to you to save their reputation or their position?” the prosecutor Durántez inquired.
“Yes,” Hermoso pronounced.
Rubiales’ “Order”
On Monday, two other witnesses followed Hermoso: Ana Álvarez, then director of women’s football; and Patricia Pérez, the team’s press officer. The former supported part of the player’s version and told the judge that, on the same return flight to Spain, the player told her that Rubiales was trying to get her to defend him. “She was in the back of the plane. At a certain moment, Jenni came to talk to me. I noticed she was agitated, she was worried because she had been talking to the president and he had asked her to make a video to play down the matter. And she told me that she had said no, she didn’t want to do it,” Álvarez explained. “It was she who told me they had asked her and she didn’t want to do it.”
Álvarez specified that, in fact, Rubiales gave direct instructions to get Hermoso to agree. “In the bus between the hotel and the airport, the whole team was celebrating, excited, answering messages, etc. And at a certain moment, I did receive the order from the president to talk to the Communications Director, that we had to talk to Jenni because a statement had to be released.” Patricia Pérez indicated that by then, the player was visibly “fed up” with this situation. “She said that, on top of the fact that the kiss was not her doing, why did she have to keep doing these kinds of things.”
This Monday, the first session of the trial ended around 2:00 p.m. The trial, which is expected to last three weeks, will continue on Tuesday with the testimony of more witnesses, including several former high-ranking officials of the RFEF (such as Pablo García Cuervo, former Communications Director of the Federation) and Luis de la Fuente, the current coach of the men’s team.
Conclusion
The story of betrayal and silence within the Spanish Football Federation sheds light on the power dynamics and lack of support for players who face challenging situations. The struggle for control and reputation management has left a player feeling abandoned and unprotected, raising questions about accountability and responsibility within the organization.
FAQs
1. What was the impact of Rubiales’ actions on the player?
Rubiales’ actions led to death threats and a feeling of being unsupported and vulnerable for the player, prompting her to leave Madrid due to the unbearable situation.
2. How did the RFEF respond to the player’s concerns?
The RFEF failed to address the player’s well-being or offer any apologies, showing a lack of empathy and support for a player representing her country.