Hermoso’s Brother and Teammate Reveal Pressure to Downplay Rubiales Kiss
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Editor
- . February 5, 2025
- . Update: February 6, 2025 12:13 pm
The controversy surrounding former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales continues as Jenni Hermoso’s brother and teammate testified in court about attempts to pressure the player into minimizing the unsolicited kiss she received from Rubiales during the 2023 Women’s World Cup trophy ceremony.
Speaking in court, Rafael Hermoso, Jenni’s brother, stated that former Spain women’s coach Jorge Vilda asked him to convince Jenni to record a video alongside Rubiales, suggesting she was comfortable with the kiss. Rafael recalled that Jenni was on the verge of tears when she confided in her family about being pressured by officials from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Jenni’s former teammate Misa Rodríguez also testified, confirming that Jenni told her teammates she was being coerced and was deeply distressed after the incident. “She didn’t want to record the video, and we all supported her decision,” Rodríguez said.
Rubiales Faces Trial
Rubiales is on trial for sexual assault and coercion, accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly support his version of events. He maintains that the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso firmly states she did not give consent.
The scandal overshadowed Spain’s historic World Cup victory and fueled a broader conversation about sexism in sports. The case has now become a landmark moment for women’s rights in football.
Allegations Against Vilda and Others
Jorge Vilda and two other former RFEF officials are also facing trial for coercion. According to Rafael Hermoso, Vilda suggested that helping Rubiales would be best for everyone, even mentioning that the football chief’s daughters were crying and that his job was at risk.
“He told me that if Jenni didn’t help, things wouldn’t go well for her in the federation,” Rafael testified.
Following the incident, Hermoso was left out of Spain’s national team squad when new coach Montse Tomé took over. Rubiales, who initially refused to step down, resigned three weeks later under mounting pressure and has been banned by FIFA for three years.
Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, along with a fine of €50,000 and a ban from sports administration.
The trial is expected to last at least 10 days, with more key testimonies to come.
