MADRID (AP) — The former president of the Spanish soccer federation goes on trial Monday accused of sexual assault for kissing forward Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.
The kiss, which Hermoso said was without her consent, marred the celebrations of the women’s team’s achievement. It sparked widespread outrage in society beyond football, and ignited one of the most embarrassing scandals in the history of Spanish soccer.
Rubiales also grabbed his crotch in a lewd victory gesture while standing near Spain’s Queen Letizia and Princess Sofia amid celebrations of Spain’s victory over England in Australia.