Luis Rubiales has informed a court docket that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent earlier than he kissed her after the Girls’s World Cup remaining 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.
Mr Rubiales informed Spain’s Nationwide Court docket in Madrid he was “completely positive” the participant gave permission for the kiss, including: “In that second it was one thing utterly spontaneous.”
The incident occurred through the medal ceremony after Spain’s World Cup victory in Australia, triggering protests and requires Mr Rubiales’s resignation. He denies any legal wrongdoing.
Giving proof, Mr Rubiales described the kiss as “an act of affection”.
“This was an incredible second for her,” he stated. “We had been thanking one another, she pressed me very arduous across the waist after which I requested her whether or not I might give her a kiss and he or she stated sure.”
He added: “I took maintain of her in order to not fall again.”
Mr Rubiales was questioned in court docket over whether or not he requested Ms Hermoso for a kiss or a “little kiss”.
“I can not keep 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 towards sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he replied he was conscious of it.
Ms Hermoso has beforehand informed the court docket she had by no means given permission to be kissed and the incident had “stained one of many happiest days of my life”.
An professional in lip studying informed the court docket 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 applicable”, saying he ought to have “been in a extra institutional position”, however denied any offence had been dedicated.
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 promoting, and former sporting director, Albert Luque.
All 4 defendants deny the fees towards them.
Prosecutors are looking for a two-and-half yr jail time period for Rubiales. The trial, which runs till 19 February, continues.
