Luis Rubiales says that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso agreed to the kiss, which he gave her after the WM finals in 2023.
The former President of the Royal Spanish Football Association (RFEF) is currently in court with the accusations that he had put the kiss under mutual agreement due to sexual assault and coercion.
Rubiales, which appeared before the Spanish National Court in Madrid, said, “I was absolutely certain” that Hermoso had agreed to the kiss. He described the moment as “completely spontaneous”.
The controversial incident occurred during the medal ceremony after the triumph of Spain at the World Cup, whereby widespread protests and demands for the resignation of rubyers were triggered. He continues to deny criminal misconduct.
During his certificate, Rubiales added: “This was an enormous moment for her. We thanked each other, she pressed me very hard around the waist and then I asked her if I could give her a kiss and she said yes.
“I took them to avoid falling back.”
🚨🗣️ Rubial pic.twitter.com/fdzcoynrhz
– Brand (@Marca) February 11, 2025
When he was asked about the exact wording in court, which he used when he asked for the kiss – whether he said “a kiss” or “a little kiss” – Rubiales answered: “I can’t remember exactly, but I think , it was a little kiss. “”
He was also asked whether he was aware of the regulations on sexual harassment and sexual violence to confirm that he was.
Hermoso in her previous declarations of court firmly denied the consent and say the incident, “colored one of the happiest days of my life”.
On Tuesday, an expert for lip reading said in court and analyzed video material in which Hermosos face was not visible. Rubiales asked about her findings: “Can I give you a kiss?”
Although ruby recognized that his actions on the podium were inappropriate, he insisted that no crime was committed. “I made a mistake,” he admitted. “My behavior was not appropriate and I should have played a more institutional role.”
The public prosecutor requests a two and a half year prison sentence for ruby.
