Kiss from Rubiales stained one of happiest days of my life

FOOTBALLER Jenni Hermoso told a court yesterday her former boss's unwanted kiss after she helped Spain win the World Cup "tainted" one of the happiest days of her life.

- Gerard Couzens

The striker, 34, claimed ex-Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales "abused" her by kissing her on the lips without consent on the medal podium after their team's 1-0 triumph over England in Sydney in August 2023.

And she said she was reduced to tears after accusing Rubiales, 47, and his aides of trying to pressure her into defusing the backlash it triggered.

Hermoso delivered her testimony on day one of Rubiales's sex assault and coercion trial which could end with him being jailed for two and a half years if convicted.

Rubiales, who denies any wrongdoing, watched on impassively as Hermoso claimed he had done something a boss should never do by kissing her on the lips.

She said: "I told him, 'What a blast we've had' and he replied, 'We've won this World Cup thanks to you'.

'He put his hands on my ears and then came the kiss."