Getty PhotographsLuis Rubiales has informed a court docket that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent prior to he kissed her next the Ladies’s Global Cup last in 2023.
The previous president of the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) is on trial accused of sexual attack and making an attempt to coerce Ms Hermoso into publicly pronouncing the kiss were consensual.
Mr Rubiales informed Spain’s Nationwide Courtroom in Madrid he was once “absolutely sure” the participant gave permission for the kiss, including: “In that moment it was something completely spontaneous.”
The incident came about throughout the medal rite next Spain’s Global Cup victory in Australia, triggering protests and requires Mr Rubiales’s depart. He denies any prison wrongdoing.
Giving proof, Mr Rubiales described the kiss as “an act of affection”.
“This was a tremendous moment for her,” he mentioned. “We were thanking each other, she pressed me very hard around the waist and then I asked her whether I could give her a kiss and she said yes.”
He added: “I took hold of her so as not to fall back.”
Mr Rubiales was once wondered in court docket over whether or not he requested Ms Hermoso for a kiss or a “little kiss”.
“I can’t remember exactly,” he responded. “But I think it was a little kiss.”
He was once additionally requested if he was once conscious about the protocol towards sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he responded he was once conscious about it.
Ms Hermoso has in the past informed the court docket she had by no means given permission to be kissed and the incident had “stained one of the happiest days of my life”.
ReutersA professional in lip studying informed the court docket on Tuesday that Mr Rubiales requested Ms Hermoso “can I give you a kiss?” in line with video photos the place the participant’s face may just now not be clear.
Mr Rubiales conceded he “made a mistake” at the podium and that his behaviour “was not appropriate”, pronouncing he will have to have “been in a more institutional role”, however denied any offence were dedicated.
Mr Rubiales resigned in September 2023 next FIFA suspended him and Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation.
3 of his former colleagues also are on trial accused of colluding within the alleged coercion: Jorge Vilda, educator of the Global Cup-winning aspect, Rubén Rivera, the federation’s former head of promoting, and previous carrying director, Albert Luque.
All 4 defendants disclaim the costs towards them.
Prosecutors are searching for a two-and-half life prison time period for Rubiales. The trial, which runs till 19 February, continues.