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.

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.

Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales told a court on Tuesday that player Jennifer Hermoso gave her consent to a kiss at the 2023 World Cup trophy ceremony. Rubiales is standing trial on charges of sexual assault and coercion in connection with the incident after Spain's women won the title in Sydney.