Former Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales, faces a trial from 3 to 19 February 2025 for forcibly kissing national team player Jenni Hermoso last year, it was announced on Monday.
The prosecution, which in Spain presents its case before the trial begins, announced in March that it will demand 2.5 years of prison for Rubiales: one year for sexual assault and an additional 1.5 years for coercing the player to attest the kiss was consensual.
The official referring of Rubiales for trial began in early May in the case, dubbed the “forced kiss”, for sexual assault and coercion, but until now the trial dates were not set.
The process will begin on 3 February in a court of the National Audience in San Fernando de Henares, a suburb of Madrid, according to a statement from this high court dealing with sensitive cases, such as terror attacks.
Two other former Federation officials, along with the former women’s ‘Roja’ team coach, Jorge Vilda, accused of coercing the player to support Rubiales’ version, will also be tried alongside him, according to the statement from the National Audience.
The prosecution demands an additional 1.5 years of prison for Jorge Vilda, Rubén Rivera (former Federation marketing director) and Albert Luque (director of the men’s team) for the offence of coercion.
On 20 August, Luis Rubiales forced Jenni Hermoso to kiss him on the lips in front of world media, moments after the Roja’s triumph in Sydney at the women’s World Cup final. His action prompted widespread outrage both in Spain and internationally, leading him to resign the following month.
