Luis Rubiales advised a court docket that the Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave his consent earlier than kissing her on the last of the ladies’s World Cup in 2023.
The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is on trial accused of sexual aggression and of making an attempt to drive Ms Hermoso in saying publicly saying that the kiss had been consensual.
Giving proof, Rubiales, 47, mentioned he was “completely secure” that the participant gave permission for the kiss, including: “At that second it was one thing utterly spontaneous”.
The accident occurred through the medal ceremony after the victory of the Spain World Cup in Australia, triggering protests and asks for the resignation of Mr. Rubiales. Denies any felony offense.
Mr. Rubiales described the kiss as “an act of affection” to the National Court of Spain in Madrid Tuesday.
“Jenni embraced me,” he mentioned.
“I’ve identified her for a few years and I kissed her as a result of she was a champion. This was an distinctive second for her. We had been champions, we had been thanking us.
“He pushed me very robust for all times after which I requested her if I might give her a kiss and she or he mentioned sure.”
He added: “I made enjoyable of it not to return.”
Mr. Rubiales was questioned in court docket if he requested Hermoso a kiss or a “little kiss”.
“I do not keep in mind precisely,” he replied. “But I feel it was a bit kiss.”
He was additionally requested if he was conscious of the protocol in opposition to sexual harassment and sexual violence, which he replied that he was conscious.
Mrs. Hermoso beforehand advised the Court who had by no means given permission to be kissed and the accident had had “I stained one of the happiest days of my life”.
Spain’s striker mentioned: “My boss was kissing me, and this could not occur in any social or work surroundings”.
He added: “A kiss on the lips is given solely once I determine.”
Mrs. Hermoso mentioned she was put apart instantly after the kiss and requested to consent to a declaration by minimizing the accident, which she refused to do.
Mr. Rubiales subsequently requested her to report a video with him on the return flight as a result of he had been accused of aggression on social media, he advised the court docket. He mentioned he acquired dying threats that pushed him to maneuver his household to Mexico, the place he now performs.
ReutersA lip studying professional advised the court docket on Tuesday that Rubiales requested Mrs. Hermoso “Can I offer you a kiss?” Based on video motion pictures the place it was not doable to see the participant’s face.
Rubiales admitted to “having made a mistake” on the rostrum and that his habits “was not applicable”, saying that he ought to have “been in a extra institutional function”, however denied {that a} crime had been dedicated.
He mentioned that the eye of the media that the accident attracted was “ridiculous”, including that Ms Hermoso by no means reproached him for the kiss at any time within the fast penalties of the accident.
Rubiales resigned in September 2023 after Fifa suspended it and the general public ministries opened an investigation.
Three of his former colleagues are additionally on trial accused of hitting within the alleged coercion: Jorge Vilda, coach of the profitable crew of the World Cup, Rubén Rivera, former federation of the advertising and marketing, and former sports activities director, Albert Luque.
All 4 defendants deny the accusations in opposition to them.
Public ministries are in search of a jail sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales. The course of, which lasts till February 19, continues.
