Scandal Escalates: Rubiales's controversial statements on Jenni Hermoso situation

In the trial for the Jenni Hermoso case, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, has stated that the kiss he gave the player was consensual. According to his words, "the players passed by, at that moment Jenni made a gesture, a face... we've known each other for a long time, I told her to forget the penalty. She squeezed me very hard, lifted me up, I asked her 'can I give you a little kiss?' and she said 'okay'".

A Detailed Account of the Incident

Rubiales has offered a detailed account of what happened during the women's team awards ceremony, step by step: "What I said is 'a little kiss'. It's a synonym. When we finished giving each other the hug, during the phrase I grabbed her head with my hands. It was simultaneous to the question and the answer".

Justification of His Reaction

The former president of the Spanish Football Federation has tried to justify his reaction by stating that "when there is a situation of this type of joy, it has happened to me. I kissed many footballers as well". This statement has generated great controversy and has been harshly criticized by many sectors of Spanish society.

Acknowledgment of a Mistake

Despite his attempts at justification, Rubiales has acknowledged that he was wrong to behave as a sportsman instead of as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation: "I was wrong, I messed up. From the first moment I recognised it. I behaved like a sportsman and I should have behaved in my institutional role, which was to be president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation accompanying the players who represented women's football in our country".

A Case That Has Shocked Spain

The Jenni Hermoso case has shocked Spanish society and has generated a debate about consent and sexism in sport. Luis Rubiales's statements in the trial have only fueled the controversy and generated great outrage in many sectors of society.

Jenni Hermoso's Defence

Jenni Hermoso, for her part, has maintained at all times that the kiss was not consensual and that she felt assaulted by Luis Rubiales. The player has received support from numerous personalities from the world of sport and politics, as well as from feminist and human rights organisations.

A Key Trial for Women's Football

The trial for the Jenni Hermoso case is a key case for women's football and for the fight against sexism in sport. The decision taken by the Spanish justice system will set an important precedent and will mark a before and after in the way these types of situations are addressed.