Spanish footballers Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes and Misa Rodríguez confirmed in court on Monday the pressure that their teammate Jenni Hermoso experienced from Luís Rubiales.
The three internationals confirmed the situation before the judge of the National Public, who is investigating the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) for crimes of assault and coercion against Jenni Hermoso, noting that her teammate and those closest those standing with her were pressured by the leader to say that the gesture was consensual.
The players, who according to Jenni Hermoso himself were present at the 2023 World Cup that Spain won and at the end of which Rubiales kissed, made statements this Monday for about an hour.
Putellas and Irene Paredes gave their statements via videoconference from the judicial facilities in Barcelona, while Misa Rodriguez, of Real Madrid, presented herself to the National Audience in Madrid.
As part of the investigation into the allegations against Rubiales, former national coach Jorge Vilda and Federation marketing director Rúben Rivera are due to be heard on October 10, and the team director, Albert Luque, on October 16.
At the end of this month, on October 20 and 27, hearings are scheduled with, among others, the men’s coach Luís de La Fuente, the former director of communications and the advisor of Rubiales’ office.
Rubiales appeared at a hearing on September 15, where he answered questions for 45 minutes as part of the complaints against him.
The final, played in Sydney, was marked by the kiss on the mouth given by then-RFEF president to player Jenni Hermoso during the victory celebrations at the Sydney Stadium, which the striker has repeatedly stated was not consented to.
Rubiales’ behavior earned him the opening of disciplinary proceedings by the Spanish Administrative Sports Court and FIFA, which suspended him from office for 90 days.
The player in turn filed a complaint in court alleging sexual assault by Rubiales, who initially refused to resign from the RFEF but eventually did so on September 10.
Source: DN
