Spanish soccer icon Jennifer Hermoso says she was kissed by former footballer Luis Rubiales without consent
Zaragoza Spain — Jennifer Hermoso, the Spanish soccer star who received an unsolicited kiss on the mouth after her team won the World Cup, gave evidence in Spain's National Court Tuesday morning against Luis Rubiales, the Spanish former soccer boss who is being investigated over allegations of sexual assault and coercion in connection with the episode.
Hermoso's testimony concludes the high-profile criminal inquiry of Rubiales, which was opened days after the World Cup, which took place in Sydney in August.
A judge, Francisco de Jorge, must now decide whether to charge Rubiales or to close the case. If de Jorge concludes there is evidence of wrongdoing, Rubiales will face trial on a sexual assault charge — punishable with between one and four years in prison.
Rubiales and three executives at the soccer federation, including the former coach, Jorge Vilda, may also face charges of coercion after they were accused of exerting pressure on Hermoso to show support for Rubiales.
Rubiales has denied the charges, saying that it was nothing more than a «peck.»
On Tuesday morning, Hermoso was the last in a string of Spanish sporting celebrities to give evidence. The list of witnesses summoned by de Jorge reads like the «Who's Who» of Spanish soccer, with stars such as Alexia Putellas, the current Best FIFA Women's Player; Misa Rodríguez, the goalkeeper for Real Madrid; and Irene Paredes, Barcelona's star defender.
Several football association executives have also given their versions of events, as have Vilda, Hermoso's brother and Rubiales himself.
Hermoso spoke to the news media outside Spain's National Court after her appearance. «All is in the hands of justice,» she said, seemingly at ease.
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