Luis Rubiales has advised a courtroom that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent earlier than he kissed her on the Ladies’s World Cup last in 2023.
The previous president of the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) is on trial accused of sexual assault and making an attempt to coerce Ms Hermoso into publicly saying the kiss had been consensual.
Giving proof, Mr Rubiales, 47, mentioned he was “completely positive” the participant gave permission for the kiss, including: “In that second it was one thing utterly spontaneous.”
The incident occurred in the course of the medal-giving ceremony after Spain’s World Cup win in Australia, triggering protests and requires Mr Rubiales’s resignation. He denies any prison wrongdoing.
Mr Rubiales described the kiss as “an act of affection” to Spain’s Nationwide Courtroom in Madrid on Tuesday.
“Jenni embraced me,” he mentioned.
“I’ve recognized her for a few years and I kissed her as a result of she was a champion. This was an incredible second for her. We have been champions, we have been thanking one another.
“She pressed me very onerous by the waist after which I requested her whether or not I may give her a kiss and she or he mentioned sure.”
He added: “I took maintain of her in order to not fall again.”
Mr Rubiales was questioned in courtroom over whether or not he requested Ms Hermoso for a kiss or a “little kiss”.
“I am unable to bear in mind precisely,” he replied. “However I feel it was a bit of kiss.”
He was additionally requested if he was conscious of the protocol in opposition to sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he replied he was conscious of it.
Ms Hermoso has beforehand advised the courtroom she had by no means given permission to be kissed and the incident had “stained one of many happiest days of my life”.
The Spain ahead mentioned: “My boss was kissing me, and this should not occur in any social or work setting.”
She added: “A kiss on the lips is simply given after I resolve so.”
Ms Hermoso mentioned she was pulled apart quickly after the kiss and requested to consent to an announcement minimising the incident, which she refused to do.
Mr Rubiales then requested her to file a video with him on the flight house as a result of he was being accused of assault on social media, she advised the courtroom. She mentioned she had obtained dying threats which prompted her to maneuver her household to Mexico, the place she now performs.
ReutersAn knowledgeable in lip studying advised the courtroom on Tuesday that Mr Rubiales requested Ms Hermoso “can I provide you with a kiss?” primarily based on video footage the place the participant’s face couldn’t be seen.
Mr Rubiales conceded he “made a mistake” on the rostrum and that his behaviour “was not acceptable”, saying he ought to have “been in a extra institutional function”, however denied any offence had been dedicated.
He mentioned the media consideration the incident has attracted was “ridiculous”, including that Ms Hermoso by no means reproached him over the kiss at any level within the fast aftermath of the incident.
Mr Rubiales resigned in September 2023 after FIFA suspended him and Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation.
Three of his former colleagues are additionally on trial accused of colluding within the alleged coercion: Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning aspect, Rubén Rivera, the federation’s former head of selling, and former sporting director, Albert Luque.
All 4 defendants deny the fees in opposition to them.
Prosecutors are looking for a two-and-half 12 months jail time period for Rubiales. The trial, which runs till 19 February, continues.
