Spain World Cup players to testify in Rubiales case

Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and two other Spain players will testify before a judge over the Women's World Cup kiss scandal involving Luis Rubiales, a judicial source said Monday.

Putellas, defender Irene Paredes and goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez are all slated to testify on 2 October in the case against Rubiales who is facing sexual assault charges after kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain beat England in the final on 20 August.

Rubiales was head of Spain's RFEF football federation at the time but has since resigned. He made his first appearance in court on 15 September.

Putellas, one of four players who captain the national squad, was quick to publicly defend Hermoso in the scandal that erupted over the forcible kiss, denouncing Rubiales' refusal to resign as "unacceptable".

Barcelona defender Paredes, also a national squad captain, and Rodriguez, who was on the bench for the final, will also testify at next week's session.

On Monday, investigating judge Francisco de Jorge heard testimony from Hermoso's brother and one of her friends, the source said.

Both confirmed Hermoso's statements that she did not consent to the kiss and had been under pressure to justify Rubiales' actions.

The disgraced former football boss is also facing charges of coercion after Hermoso stated that she "and those close to her had suffered constant ongoing pressure by Luis Rubiales and his professional entourage to justify and condone" his actions.

RFEF members in court on Thursday

Several experts also testified on Monday, with the judge due to hear testimony from RFEF members on Thursday.

It was not immediately clear whether Hermoso - who has since returned to Mexico where she currently plays for Pachuca FC - would be