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.

Olga Tubau made the argument as part of her closing comments in Rubiales' trial for sexual assault and coercion. He denies all charges

Luis Rubiales has told a court that Jenni Hermoso gave her consent before he kissed her on the lips after the 2023 Women's World Cup final. This came in stark contrast to testimony from the player.

The former head of Spanish football also said that he asked the player if he could kiss her before the incident after the 2023 final.

The prosecuting lawyer in the trial of Luis Rubiales says he enforced “a code of silence” among those in senior roles at the Spanish football federation while trying to calm the storm around his behaviour at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.

In court, Luis Rubiales denied sexual assaulting Jenni Hermoso in the aftermath of Spain's victory at the FIFA World Cup in Australia.

The trial of Luis Rubiales for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the 2023 Women's World Cup final has ended. A verdict isn't expected for several weeks.