Luis Rubiales appears in court over sexual assault allegations

15.09.2023 - 14:23 breakingnews.ie

The former president of Spain's soccer federation Luis Rubiales has denied allegations of sexual assault and coercion filed by soccer player Jenni Hermoso over an alleged non-consensual kiss, the prosecutor leading the case said in a preliminary court hearing on Friday.

The prosecutor has also requested a restraining order against Rubiales, so he cannot get within 500m of Hermoso, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Earlier this week, Rubiales refused to directly apologise to Hermoso over the kiss that ultimately forced his resignation as Spanish football federation president.

In an interview with Piers Morgan on Talk TV, Rubiales instead continued to maintain the kiss was “consensual” and went on to suggest that the negative publicity over the affair had been “created by spurious arguments and people”.

soccer World Cup Jenni Hermoso Luis Rubiales Piers Morgan Spain

MADRID: Spain's High Court on Friday (Sep 15) imposed a restraining order to prevent former soccer chief Luis Rubiales approaching national team player Jenni Hermoso, as he appeared in court to be investigated for sexual assault for kissing her on the lips. The incident, which occurred at the medal ceremony after Spain's women's team won the World Cup in Sydney, Australia, on Aug 20, has triggered a furore over sexism in Spanish sport and society and prompted protests similar to the "Me Too" movement. Rubiales, 46, insists the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso says it was forced on her. The order prevents Rubiales trying to contact Hermoso or coming within 200 metres of her, according to a court statement. Judge Francisco de Jorge rejected a request by the prosecution that Rubiales should report to the court every two weeks. Dressed in a black suit over a white shirt, Rubiales left the High Court in Madrid with his lawyer Olga Tubau following a closed-door investigative hearing that lasted about an hour.

Luis Rubiales appears in court over sexual assault allegations

Ex-Spain Football Boss Luis Rubiales In Court Over World Cup Kiss Scandal

Five days after resigning as Spain's football chief, Luis Rubiales appeared before a judge on Friday investigating a complaint of sexual assault over forcibly kissing women's World Cup player Jenni Hermoso. His hearing came as the World Cup-winning footballers said they would continue their boycott of the national team unless there are more reforms at the Spanish football federation, despite Rubiales' resignation over the affair. Dozens of journalists were on hand as the 46-year-old left Madrid's Audiencia Nacional court after he was questioned by Judge Francisco de Jorge who is heading up the investigation.

Luis Rubiales due in court today over Hermoso kiss

Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales will appear before a High Court judge on Friday over a complaint of sexual assault stemming from his allegedly unsolicited kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso.

Luis Rubiales refuses to apologise to Jenni Hermoso over ‘consensual’ kiss

Luis Rubiales has refused to directly apologise to Jenni Hermoso over the kiss that ultimately forced his resignation as Spanish football federation president.