MADRID – The trial of Spain’s former football chief Luis Rubiales over the forced kiss he gave star forward Jenni Hermoso wrapped up on Feb 14, with a verdict expected in several weeks.

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 Women’s World Cup victory in 2023.

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.