Luis Rubiales in court over Women's World Cup kiss

1 year ago 11
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Former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales arrives at the high court in Madrid, Spain - September 15, 2023Image source, Reuters

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Luis Rubiales has denied allegations of sexual assault and coercion

By Guy Hedgecoe in Madrid & Paul Kirby in London

BBC News

Luis Rubiales has entered a Madrid court to answer a criminal complaint over kissing Spanish player Jenni Hermoso, days after resigning as head of Spain's football federation.

He said nothing as he walked into the national court to face accusations of sexual assault and coercion.

Mr Rubiales, 46, insists he had the footballer's consent as she celebrated Spain winning the Women's World Cup.

The court will decide whether the case goes to trial.

Spanish state prosecutors have formally lodged a criminal complaint against the former president of the football federation (RFEF), which will be heard by Judge Francisco de Jorge.

Spain won the Women's World Cup in Australia on 20 August, but the team's victory has been overshadowed ever since by Mr Rubiales's actions during the celebrations after the final whistle.

He has maintained that the kiss was mutual and consensual. Hermoso, 33, says that the kiss was not consensual.

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