Getty PicturesLuis Rubiales has instructed a court docket that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent earlier than he kissed her after the Girls’s World Cup ultimate 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 instructed Spain’s Nationwide Courtroom 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 in the course of the medal ceremony after Spain’s World Cup victory in Australia, triggering protests and requires Mr Rubiales’s resignation. He denies any felony wrongdoing.
Giving proof, Mr Rubiales described the kiss as “an act of affection”.
“This was an amazing second for her,” he mentioned. “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 she or he mentioned 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 am unable to bear in mind precisely,” he replied. “However I feel it was a little bit 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 instructed 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”.
ReutersAn knowledgeable in lip studying instructed the court docket on Tuesday that Mr Rubiales requested Ms Hermoso “can I offer you a kiss?” based mostly 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 facet, Rubén Rivera, the federation’s former head of selling, and former sporting director, Albert Luque.
All 4 defendants deny the costs towards them.
Prosecutors are looking for a two-and-half 12 months jail time period for Rubiales. The trial, which runs till 19 February, continues.