Luis Rubiales Tells Court Jenni Beautiful Consenteted To Kiss

Luis Rubiales has told a court that the Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent before kissing her after the final of the Women’s World Cup in 2023.

The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is in trial accused of sexual assault and trying to force Mrs. beautiful saying that the kiss had been consensual.

Rubiales told the National Court of Spain in Madrid that he was “absolutely sure” that the player gave permission for the kiss, adding: “At that time it was something completely spontaneous.”

The incident occurred during the medal ceremony after the victory of the World Cup in Spain in Australia, causing protests and demands the resignation of Mr. Rubiales. It denies any criminal crime.

Giving evidence, Rubiales described the kiss as “an act of affection.”

“This was a tremendous moment for her,” he said. “We were thanking, she squeezed me a lot around the waist and then asked him if she could kiss her and she said yes.”

He added: “I took it not to go back.”

Mr. Rubiales was questioned in court about whether he asked Mrs. Beautiful or a “little kiss.”

“I don’t remember exactly,” he replied. “But I think it was a little kiss.”

He was also asked if he was aware of the protocol against sexual harassment and sexual violence, which he replied that he was aware of it.

Mrs. Hermoso previously told the Court that she had never given permission to be kissed and that the incident had “He stained one of the happiest days of my life”.

An expert in lip reading told the court on Tuesday that Rubiales asked Mrs. Beautiful “can I kiss you?” Based on video images where you couldn’t see the player’s face.

Rubiales admitted that “he made a mistake” on the podium and that his behavior “was not appropriate”, saying that he should have “been on a more institutional role”, but denied that any crime has been committed.

Rubiales resigned in September 2023 after FIFA suspended it and Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation.

Three of his former colleagues are also in trial accused of collauding in the alleged coercion: Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup winning team, Rubén Rivera, the former Marketing Chief of the Federation and former sports director, Albert Luque.

The four defendants deny the charges against them.

Prosecutors are looking for a two and a half year prison term for Rubiales. The trial, which extends until February 19, continues.