I felt disrespected’ – Jenni Hermoso on Rubiales World Cup kiss

Hermoso Testifies at Rubiales’ Trial: “I Felt Disrespected”

In a landmark trial unfolding in Madrid, Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso took to the stand on Monday, delivering a powerful testimony against former spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales. Hermoso asserted unequivocally that she did not consent to being kissed by Rubiales during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final victory celebrations.

Rubiales faces charges of sexual assault and coercion for his actions, which ignited a global outcry about sexism and abuse of power in sports. Hermoso expressed feeling “disrespected” and stated that the incident “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”

“I didn’t hear or understand anything. The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”

Prosecutors, Hermoso, and the Spanish players’ association are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, as well as a €50,000 fine and a lifetime ban from holding any position in football.

Rubiales, who resigned from his position amidst mounting pressure following the incident and was later banned by FIFA for three years, maintains that the kiss was consensual.

A Trail of Pressure and Coercion

During her testimony, Hermoso detailed how she felt pressured to publicly defend Rubiales in the aftermath. She specifically mentioned feeling coerced into retracting her initial stance on the kiss, stating, “I felt pressured to change my statement.”

Several other individuals,including former Spain women’s national coach Jorge Vilda,former sports director of the Spain men’s team Albert Luque,and the federation’s former head of marketing,rubén Rivera,are also on trial for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to defend Rubiales publicly.

The Impact of the Incident

the incident has profoundly impacted the Spanish women’s national team and wider football community. It has reignited conversations about gender equality and the importance of addressing abuse of power in sports.The trial is being closely watched as a test of Spain’s commitment to tackling these issues.

Beyond the legal ramifications, the incident has sparked a broader social movement, with many calling for greater accountability and systemic change within football organizations.

Looking Ahead

The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences. A guilty verdict would send a strong message about the seriousness of Rubiales’ actions and the need for greater protection for athletes. It could also lead to calls for reforms within football governing bodies to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

This trial serves as a stark reminder that the fight for gender equality in sport is ongoing. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, open dialog, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and safe surroundings for all athletes.

Hermoso’s Courage: Speaking Out Against Abuse in Football

Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso, who etched her name in history by helping her team win the women’s World Cup in July, has courageously spoken out about her experience with the unwanted kiss she received from former Spanish Football Federation president luis Rubiales during the victory celebrations. In a powerful testament during Rubiales’ trial, Hermoso detailed the lasting impact of the incident and the pressure she faced to retract her statement.

Speaking exclusively to Archyde News following her testimony,Hermoso described the dissonance between the pinnacle of her career and the violation she endured. “it was the culmination of our dreams, the happiest day of my life.We fought so hard to achieve this victory, and for it to be overshadowed by something so disrespectful and violating has been incredibly tough,” she shared.

an Unwanted Intimacy

The kiss,Hermoso emphasized,was unsolicited and unwelcome. “The kiss was unwanted, entirely out of line. I did not consent to it,” she forcefully stated. Her words underscored the severity of the situation and challenged the normalization of unwanted physical contact.

Pressure and a Pressure Cooker

Hermoso also opened up about the intense pressure she faced in the wake of the incident. “There were whispers, attempts to influence my statement, and I felt like I was being edged towards retracting what I truly felt.It was a deeply disturbing experience,” she revealed.This testimony shed light on the tactics frequently enough employed to silence victims of abuse and the systemic pressures they face.

Life in the Spotlight

The ordeal, she acknowledged, has irrevocably changed her life.”I have not been able to really live freely,” she admitted, highlighting the profound impact of the event. The incident forced her to seek refuge in Mexico to escape the media scrutiny and fear for her safety.

The eyes of the world are on this trial, which promises to be a landmark case in the fight for gender equality and accountability within the sport. The outcome will have far-reaching implications not only for the individuals involved but also for the future of women’s football globally.

Hermoso’s courage in speaking out serves as a powerful reminder that individuals, irrespective of their status or achievements, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Her story is a testament to the importance of empowering athletes to speak out against harassment and abuse,holding perpetrators accountable for their actions,and creating a more inclusive and safe environment for all in the world of football.

Football Star Calls for Systemic Change After Assault

Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso has spoken out powerfully against the assault she endured during the Women’s World Cup victory celebrations, demanding radical change within the sport and society at large.

“It’s impossible to describe fully. I felt like I couldn’t even celebrate my achievement. The constant scrutiny, the online abuse, the weight of this whole situation – it’s been overwhelming. It’s forced me into a position were I need to seek refuge,”

A Demand for Accountability

Hermoso’s experience underscores the pervasive issue of abuse of power within football and beyond. In an interview with Archyde, she emphasized the need for a culture shift: “I want every athlete, every person, to feel empowered to speak out against injustice. We deserve to feel safe, respected, and listened to. This incident highlights the need for radical change within football and society – change that prioritizes equality, respect, and zero tolerance for abuse of power.

Protecting Athletes

Hermoso’s call for change resonates with a growing global movement demanding accountability and protection for athletes. The abuse she faced, both on and off the field, is a stark reminder that progress towards gender equality and athlete safety is far from complete.

real-world Impact

Her story has sparked important conversations about the need for stronger support systems for athletes who experience harassment and assault. More comprehensive reporting mechanisms, mandatory anti-discrimination training for coaches and staff, and a culture that prioritizes athlete well-being are crucial steps towards creating a safer and more equitable sporting environment.

Hermoso’s courage in speaking out is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of survivors. Her voice adds to a growing chorus demanding a conversion within football and beyond, a transformation built on respect, equality, and zero tolerance for abuse of power.

What changes do you think are needed within football to ensure the safety and well-being of all athletes?

, let down the side with full professionalism:

Hermoso Speaks Out: The Fight for Accountability in Football

Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso, who etched her name in history by helping her team win the women’s World Cup in July, has courageously spoken out about her experience with the unwanted kiss she received from former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales during the victory celebrations.

Speaking exclusively to Archyde News following her testimony in the Rubiales trial, Hermoso described the dissonance between the pinnacle of her career and the violation she endured. “It was the culmination of our dreams, the happiest day of my life. We fought so hard to achieve this victory, and for it to be overshadowed by something so disrespectful and violating has been incredibly tough,” she shared.

An Unwanted Intimacy

The kiss,Hermoso emphasized, was unsolicited and unwelcome. “The kiss was unwanted, entirely out of line. I did not consent to it,” she forcefully stated.Her words underscored the severity of the situation and challenged the normalization of unwanted physical contact.

Pressure and Retraction

Hermoso also opened up about the intense pressure she faced in the wake of the incident. “There were whispers, attempts to influence my statement, and I felt like I was being edged towards retracting what I truly felt.It was a deeply disturbing experience,” she revealed. This testimony shed light on the tactics frequently employed to silence victims of abuse and the systemic pressures they face.

Seeking Safety and Lasting change

“I have not been able to really live freely,” she admitted, highlighting the profound impact of the event. The incident forced her to seek refuge in Mexico to escape the media scrutiny and fear for her safety.

“I want to see a future where no athlete has to go through what I have,” Hermoso said, her voice firm with conviction.”football must change. We need stronger protections, more support for survivors, and a culture where respect and consent are non-negotiable.”

What changes do you think are needed within football to ensure the safety and well-being of all athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.