Rubiales Trial for Assault, Coercion Begins in Spain

Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, is on trial for sexually assaulting striker Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 World Cup trophy ceremony. Hermoso testified that the kiss, which Rubiales claims was consensual, left her feeling disrespected and pressured to publicly support him afterward. The trial also includes testimony from Spain's men's coach Luis de la Fuente, who denied involvement in crisis talks regarding the incident. Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year sentence for Rubiales, along with €50,000 in damages and a lifetime ban from sports. This trial occurs amid broader instability within Spanish football, where multiple leaders face legal scrutiny, including recent corruption investigations. The outcome could further impact the governance of Spanish football, which is preparing to co-host the 2030 World Cup.