The brother of Jenni Hermoso and one of her teammates have told a judge there were attempts to pressure the player into downplaying the unsolicited kiss by former Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales in the awards presentation ceremony following the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Prosecutors are seeking two and a half years in prison against Rubiales, one year for sexual assault for the forced kiss and 18 months for allegedly coercing Hermoso, 34, to downplay the incident.

Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso today told a court how an unwanted kiss on the lips from her former boss after winning the Women’s World Cup ‘tainted’ one of the happiest days of her life. The 34-year-old striker said she had felt ‘abused’ by ex-Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales after he kissed her on the podium without consent after her team’s 1-0 victory over England in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney.