Former Spanish soccer federation boss Luis Rubiales told a court on Tuesday that he asked player Jenni Hermoso if he could kiss her before doing so after the World Cup victory in 2023.

Jenni Hermoso has told the trial of Spain's former football chief Luis Rubiales that the kiss he gave her at the 2023 World Cup "stained one of the happiest days of my life". The Spanish world champion footballer was the first witness in Rubiales' trial over the kiss, where he is accused of sexual assault and coercion.

Rubiales is accused of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony, as well as of coercion for allegedly trying to convince the player to support his version of the kiss.

Luis Rubiales is standing trial for kissing football player Jenni Hermoso without her consent after her team won the World Cup