Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso tells court Rubiales kiss was nonconsensual

Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso Tuesday testified before a judge that the post-women's soccer World Cup victory celebratory kiss she received from Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, was nonconsensual.

Rubiales took Hermoso's head in his hands and kissed her on the lips after winning the World Cup final, sparking a national and international debate on sexism.

Additionally, he is being investigated for alleged sexual assault and coercion by a judge at Spain's highest criminal court, the Audiencia Nacional.

The 46-year-old former head of Spain’s football federation claims the kiss he gave Hermoso was consensual and sought her permission. However, Hermoso denies giving permission and claims the incident left her feeling "vulnerable and a victim of aggression".

The 33-year-old forward has filed a criminal complaint, accusing Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion for pressuring her to speak out in his defence, following the global controversy.

Hermoso testified to Judge Francisco de Jorge in Madrid, wishing the media a happy new year after the closed-door hearing and adding: "It's gone well. It's all in the hands of justice now."

The footballer, who has just signed for the Mexican team Tigres, said she had decided to speak out about what happened because "no person, in any work, sports or social environment, should be a victim of this type of non-consensual behaviour".

Rubiales, who could face a fine or up to four years in prison if found guilty of sexual assault, has denied assaulting or coercing Hermoso and has vowed to clear his name.

"I believe in the truth and I will do everything in my power to make sure it prevails," he said when he stepped down as head of the federation four months ago.

Rubiales said that although his family and those close to him had been made to suffer "the effects of an excessive persecution" and "many lies", he felt the public knew the truth.