Teammates of a professional soccer player testified at a sexual assault trial in Madrid, corroborating her account of being distressed and angered by a kiss from a former Spanish federation president. The incident occurred during the awards ceremony after Spain won the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney. The player testified that the kiss was unsolicited and that she was pressured by the president and his officials to say otherwise.
One teammate recounted how the player wept on the flight back to Spain from Australia due to the president's attempts to get her to make a video with him to counter public criticism. The player refused, expressing her frustration and demanding to be left alone. Another teammate testified about the player's increasing distress as federation officials insisted she protect the president from backlash in the media and from other sports figures.
Prosecutors, the player, and the Spain players’ association are seeking a jail sentence, a fine, and a ban from sports officiating for the former president. He resigned from his position and was banned by FIFA following the allegations. Three other federation officials are also being tried for allegedly pressuring the player to support the former president. They face potential prison time if found guilty.
The trial continues, with key witnesses providing testimony to support the player's claims. The case has drawn attention to issues of consent and abuse of power in sports organizations.
