The trial of Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation, is set to begin on February 12, 2024, following his controversial forced kiss on player Jenni Hermoso after Spain's victory in the 2023 Women's World Cup. Prosecutors are seeking a total of 2.5 years in prison for Rubiales, which includes one year for sexual assault and 18 months for coercion. The incident, which occurred on August 20, 2023, ignited widespread outrage and discussions about consent in sports. Rubiales has maintained that the kiss was merely a harmless celebration, a claim that has been met with skepticism by many [cef3c199].
The trial will take place at the National Court in San Fernando de Henares, near Madrid, and is expected to run until February 19, 2024. Alongside Rubiales, other accused parties include former coach Jorge Vilda and officials Ruben Rivera and Albert Luque, who are facing similar charges related to the incident. The case has not only brought attention to the actions of Rubiales but has also sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of women in sports and the importance of respecting personal boundaries [cef3c199].