Jenni Hermoso, the renowned Spanish footballer, has returned to training with Mexico's CF Pachuca for the first time since filing a legal complaint against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The complaint centers around an incident where Rubiales allegedly kissed Hermoso without her consent during the trophy presentation at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
Hermoso, who led Spain to a thrilling victory over England in the final on 20 August, found her team's triumph overshadowed by this controversy. The midfielder asserted that the kiss occurred without her permission, sparking widespread discussions about consent and respect in sports.
Weeks after the World Cup win and the ensuing controversy, Hermoso joined her teammates at CF Pachuca, preparing for the upcoming Apertura tournament. The club celebrated her return by sharing images on Instagram of Hermoso engaging with teammates and training, expressing their joy and enthusiasm for having the world champion back.
CF Pachuca encouraged their fans to show support and appreciation for Hermoso and her fellow players as they gear up for intense competition against Club Universidad Nacional.
Meanwhile, Rubiales has resisted calls to resign and maintained that the kiss was consensual. However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has suspended him from all football-related activities at both national and international levels for 90 days.
Hermoso has voiced her discomfort and feelings of vulnerability about the incident, describing it as a “sexist, impulsive act without any consent.” She filed a complaint with the national prosecutor's office, which is processing her testimony given on 5 September as swiftly as possible.
If found guilty of sexual assault, Rubiales could face significant legal consequences, including potential imprisonment, as reported by The Guardian. In response to the ongoing legal situation, Hermoso has refrained from making any direct statements to the media.
CF Pachuca has affirmed its full support for Hermoso, emphasizing her need for privacy and focus on her football career. The club stated, "For now, Jenni will not be engaging with the media. She is fully concentrated on resuming her normal activities and life." They further added that Hermoso has their complete institutional, emotional, and personal backing as she continues her journey with the club.