Spain star Jenni Hermoso appeared in a preliminary hearing on Tuesday as part of the investigation into Luis Rubiales’ sexual assault case.
Hermoso, who testified behind closed doors, told the court that the kiss she received from Rubiales was “not consensual in any way.”
She previously said Rubiales, who was president of the Spanish Football Federation at the time, and his staff tried to pressure the player and his family to downplay the incident.
“Everything went well,” Hermoso told reporters after testifying. “As the judicial process continues, I would like to thank you for all the support you have given me.”
Last September, Hermoso formally filed criminal charges against the former soccer official. The incident occurred in August, when the Spanish women’s soccer team won the World Cup.
Spanish state prosecutors have accused Rubiales of sexual assault and extortion.
According to Spanish media, Hermoso asked the judge to keep the court appearance as private as possible. Hermoso, 33, the Spanish women’s team’s record scorer, arrived wearing a gray coat. She waved to journalists before entering the courtroom with her lawyer.
The judge will also hear testimony from other World Cup-winning players and coaches before deciding whether to start a trial.
Rubiales’ actions spark global condemnation
The fallout for Rubiales’ actions at the World Cup ceremony sparked widespread condemnation in Spain and around the world. Rubiales ultimately resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation.
However, he repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Under the Sexual Consent Act, Rubiales could be fined or sentenced to one to four years in prison if convicted.
The new law abolished the distinction between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault” and sanctioned non-consensual sexual acts.
FIFA has suspended Rubiales for three years, until the end of the 2026 Men’s World Cup. His suspension will expire before the next women’s tournament in 2027.
rm/dj (Reuters, Associated Press)