Spain's former soccer federation boss Luis Rubiales told a court on Tuesday that player Jenni Hermoso had given her consent for the kiss on the mouth that triggered his trial for sexual assault and sparked a debate in Spain about sexism in women's football.

Former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales said Tuesday that he asked Women’s World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso for permission before kissing her during the on-field medal ceremony for Spain’s victory in 2023.

Luis Rubiales said in court on Tuesday that he had kissed many footballers in the past while celebrating and that he was “completely sure” he had asked Jenni Hermoso for consent before kissing her after Spain won the 2023 Women’s World Cup.