Spain’s former football chief Luis Rubiales is in court in Madrid accused of sexual aggression towards Jenni Hermoso, the World Cup winning team’s star striker.
The incident in question took place in August 2023, in full view of the world, as she and her team mates passed along the podium to be congratulated by dignitaries, including Rubiales.
Hermoso says he forceably kissed her, he says she gave her consent.
The further charges faced by Rubiales involve coercion with the claim that after the team returned home, he tried to persuade her to say she had consented.
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The trial, which also includes charges of coercion against three other people involved with the team, is being televised in Spain with many seeing it as that country’s MeToo moment.
Others consider “the kiss” to have been blown out of proportion, not least because if Rubiales is found guilty, he could face more than two years in jail.
Madrid-based journalist Dermot Corrigan has been at the trial for The Athletic, for The New York Times. He explains what the case hinges on and the evidence that has been heard so far.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Aideen Finnegan.
