Luis Rubiales’ defense team has reiterated in closing arguments that Jenni Hermoso consented to the World Cup kiss by the former Spanish soccer federation president.

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.

Luis Rubiales, former head of Spain’s soccer federation, disputes soccer star Jenni Hermoso’s version of the kiss.

Luis Rubiales and the other three defendants accused of trying to downplay the kiss by the former president of the Spanish soccer federation on player Jenni Hermoso at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final presentation ceremony are set to testify before a judge.

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.

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.