Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain's football federation, is on trial accused of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso following the national team's victory at the 2023 World Cup. The incident, which escalated into a nationwide debate surrounding sexism and consent, has captured significant media attention. Hermoso, who currently plays in Mexico, is set to testify on the trial's opening day.
During the medal ceremony in Sydney, Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain triumphed over England. Hermoso later claimed that the kiss was not consensual, while Rubiales maintained otherwise, asserting that it was a mutual gesture. This controversial kiss has not only stirred protests demanding Rubiales’s resignation but also pushed it into political discussions, with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasizing the need for greater equality and respect between genders in light of the incident.
Initially resistant to the backlash, Rubiales’s stance changed after public outcry, leading to his resignation before legal proceedings commenced. Prosecutors are advocating for a one-year prison sentence for the sexual assault charge, as well as an additional year and a half for alleged coerced statements regarding the kiss’s consensual nature. Rubiales has denied all charges, and three associates are also on trial for suspected complicity in coercing Hermoso.
Isabel Fuentes, a pioneer in women's football in Spain, lamented the overshadowing of the team's World Cup achievement by the Rubiales incident. She reflects on the struggles faced by early female players in a male-dominated sport. In contrast, younger footballers like Belén Peralta focus on the advancements in women's football, noting the shift in societal perceptions and growing support for female athletes.
Despite the shadows cast by Rubiales’s actions, many see the increasing visibility and acceptance of women in football as a positive step forward, reinforcing the evolution of both the sport and societal attitudes towards gender equality.
