Spanish women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso confronted former soccer federation boss Luis Rubiales at his trial on Monday, saying she did not agree to the kiss that triggered a national backlash against sexism in sport.

“I knew I was being kissed by my boss and that should not happen in any social or work environment,” she said of the encounter seen live by millions around the world at the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony in Australia.

“I think it was a moment that tainted one of the happiest days of my life,” added the 34-year-old forward as Rubiales sat nearby at Madrid’s High Court taking notes.

Jenni Hermoso arrives at the court ahead of the trial REUTERS/Ana Beltran

Rubiales, 47, is accused of sexual assault and then attempting to coerce Hermoso – with the help of three other men – into declaring that the kiss had been consensual.

Though he apologised for being over effusive in a moment of national triumph, Rubiales denies those criminal charges and has cast himself as the victim of a witchhunt.

Asked by a prosecutor at Madrid’s High Court if she had agreed to the kiss, Hermoso replied: “Never”.

“I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she added, describing the moment. “The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”

Rubiales has said it was consensual and scoffed at critics in the aftermath, but Hermoso said she felt a victim of aggression and had pressure put on her to sign a statement exonerating him, which she said she refused to do.

WORLD CUP WIN OVERSHADOWED

The ensuing scandal eclipsed Spain’s first women’s World Cup victory and proved a tipping point for efforts by Spain’s female players to expose sexism and achieve parity with male counterparts.

The trial will see several of Hermoso’s teammates, including Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, testify.

Rubiales has asked his daughters to take the stand.

He and his co-defendants – former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, former Spanish football federation (RFEF) sporting director Albert Luque and the RFEF’s former head of marketing Ruben Rivera – will testify on or after Feb. 12 once the court has interviewed the rest of the witnesses.

“I trust in justice. I am calm,” Vilda said as he arrived.

The prosecution is seeking 2-1/2 years’ prison for Rubiales, although in Spain those handed sentences under two years can usually escape incarceration by paying damages instead if they do not have prior convictions.

The scandal sparked a strike by Hermoso’s teammates and saw several heads roll at the federation, with both Rubiales and his right-hand man and successor being ousted and a woman appointed to coach the women’s team for the first time.

-Reuters

Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

In a bid to ensure increased visibility for the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) this coming season, the Board has reaffirmed its commitment by engaging with StarTimes, a key broadcasting partner.

Following the NWFL Annual General Assembly held in Abuja on Tuesday, Nkechi Obi, Chairman of the NWFL Board, led a high-powered delegation to meet with StarTimes management on Wednesday.

Obi remarked: “This partnership is a vital step in our mission to bring the excitement of the league to a wider audience and showcase the talent in women’s football.”

During the discussions, StarTimes’ Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Tunde Aina reiterated: “StarTimes is committed to delivering top-quality coverage and ensuring that our viewers enjoy every moment of the women’s leagues.”

These initiatives aim to significantly boost audience engagement and elevate the NWFL’s profile both locally and internationally. The discussions covered the production and coverage of matches, highlight shows, and strategic marketing of league content across StarTimes’ diverse channels.

As a key outcome of the meeting, a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is being finalized, with both parties expressing optimism about concluding arrangements in time for the Season Opener.

The anticipated partnership is expected to kick off with the high-stakes NWFL Premiership clash between defending champions Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on January 15, 2025.

The meeting was attended by high-ranking NWFL officials, including Vice Chairperson Hajiya Hussina Suleiman and Board member Madam Henrietta Ihiabor.

 Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, fired from all cylinders to record a 9-0 win over their counterparts from Niger Republic on Thursday, in the second match of this year’s WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup, taking place in Ghana.

The Flamingos started brilliantly, with Aishat Animashaun scoring after only five minutes, following an in-swinger by Mary Mamudu. FIFA World Cup star Shakirat Moshood then started her own song, as she produced a screamer from 35 yards that saw the ball sail above Nigerien goalkeeper Ndiaye Fatai Basiru for the second goal in the 17^th minute.

Six minutes later, the ever-relentless Moshood scored her second and Nigeria’s third, assisted by Animashaun, and in the 33^rd minute, Janet Akekoromowei made it four by netting from close range.

Akekoromowei escaped the attention of Nigerien defenders in the 42^nd minute to power home for Nigeria’s fifth and nicked her hat-trick almost immediately after with a powerful header.

Moshood, not to be outdone before recess, got her own hat-trick in the 45^th minute to make it 7-0 against the hapless neighbours-to-the-north at half time.

Moshood was on song again just before the hour, collecting the ball high up the pitch and making a solo drive to fire past Ndiaye for her fourth and Nigeria’s eighth.

With 11 minutes left on the clock, Peace Effiong opted to have her own name on the scoresheet, when she fired from outside the box to beat Ndiaye for Nigeria’s ninth goal.

The Flamingos will next take on their counterparts from Cote d’Ivoire on Monday.    

Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H