Key Takeaways:

• Luis Rubiales claims Jenni Hermoso consented to a kiss after Spain's Women's World Cup victory.
• Hermoso contests Rubiales' assertion, describing the kiss as non-consensual.
• The trial also involves former RFEF officials accused of coercing Hermoso.
• The case has sparked significant discussions surrounding sexism in sports.

MADRID, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, has testified in court that Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso gave her consent for him to kiss her after Spain's momentous Women’s World Cup victory in 2023. Rubiales insisted, “I am absolutely sure that she gave me her permission,” during his testimony at Morocco’s National Court. He described the moment as “completely spontaneous”, eliciting a public uproar that ensued from the incident.

Rubiales, aged 47, faces charges of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso uninvited at the podium during the medal ceremony in Sydney. He further stands accused of attempting to pressure her, along with three former colleagues, into stating the kiss was consensual. While Rubiales firmly denies the allegations, Hermoso has stated the kiss did not have her consent, which she described, during her testimony on February 3, as deeply disrespectful in a moment that should have been joyous following their victory.

During his testimony, Rubiales noted an interaction that he claims showed mutual affection by saying Hermoso squeezed him tightly before he asked, “Can I give you a kiss?” He portrayed the kiss as a celebration of victory, referring to it as "an act of affection," which he argued was typical in such profoundly emotional situations. Yet, Hermoso has maintained her stance, asserting that the act marred an otherwise significant day for her.

The ongoing trial seeks a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, with discussions about the systemic sexism prevalent in sports and the importance of consent in player interactions gaining traction as the trial progresses. Witness testimonies are expected to conclude by mid-February, with a verdict anticipated in March. Understandably, the case has raised questions about professional conduct within sports and the protection of female athletes.

For further details, please refer to BBC, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.