Spanish prosecutors have requested 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 August 20th, 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. If granted, the order would prevent Rubiales trying to contact her or coming within 500 metres of her.
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.