Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso testified against Luis Rubiales in court in Madrid today. The resigned president of the Spanish Football Federation kissed him on the mouth after their victory against England in the World Cup final. The move sparked a storm of criticism within Spanish football and beyond.
Hermoso is the last of sixteen witnesses questioned by the investigating judge in Madrid in recent months. This will now determine whether there is enough evidence to start a lawsuit. It is stated that Rubiales faces a prison sentence of 1 to 4 years.
Hermoso’s testimony lasted more than two hours and took place behind closed doors. His lawyer said he confirmed his previous statements to the judge.
Hermoso left the field today as follows:
“Everything went well. Now the matter is in the hands of the judiciary. “I wish you a happy new year and thank you for the support so many of you have given me,” the football star later told reporters.
two accusations
The case revolves around two accusations against Rubiales, an alleged sexual assault and an allegation of coercion; because Rubiales and his confidants later pressured Hermoso to say that the kiss was consensual.
Former national coach Jorge Vilda, former Ajax player and manager of the Spanish men’s team Albert Luque, and one of the association’s marketers were also wiretapped and charged.
For example, Hermoso was reportedly asked to record a video in which he downplayed a kiss on the mouth with Rubiales on the plane returning to Spain after the World Cup. Hermoso would refuse. Rubiales’ confidants are said to be putting new pressure on him and his family in Ibiza, where the electorate is celebrating the World Cup victory.
For example, her brother had previously testified that he had been warned that there would be personal or professional consequences if his sister continued to view the kiss as unwanted.
Rubiales, who has been president of the Spanish association since 2018, claims that there is no mistake on his part and that there is mutual agreement.
Case or not?
Hermoso’s statement was the last statement of the Spanish court during the investigation phase. If the judge decides the case is strong enough to go to trial, that could happen in the coming months.
A restraining order was imposed on Rubiales last September, meaning he could not be more than 200 meters away from Hermoso, 33.
The kiss on the lips led to the world champions boycotting the national team and the eventual expulsion of Rubiales. The world football federation, FIFA, also gave him a three-year ban.
This means Rubiales will not be allowed to engage in football-related activities at national and international level during this period. His suspension will end before the next World Cup in 2027.
Source: NOS
I’m George Gonzalez, a professional journalist and author at The Nation View. With more than 5 years of experience in the field, I specialize in covering sports news for various print media outlets. My passion for writing has enabled me to craft stories that capture the attention of readers all over the world.
