Luis Rubiales said in court that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso had given her consent before kissing her after the finals of the 2023 Women’s Cup.
Former president of the royal Spanish Football Federation (Rfef) has been charged with sexual abuse at trial and tries to force Mrs. Hermoso to publicly say that the kiss was agreement.
Mr. Rubiales told the Spanish National Court in Madrid that he was “absolutely safe”, the player gave a permit to kiss, adding: “At that moment it was something completely spontaneous.”
The incident happened during a medal ceremony after winning the Spanish World Cup in Australia, launching protests and calling for Mr. Rubiales’ resignation. Denies any criminal injustice.
Giving evidence, Mr Rubiales described the kiss as a “act of affection.”
“This was a huge moment for her,” he said. “We thanked each other, she pressed me a lot around my waist and then I asked her if I could kiss her and she said yes.”
He added, “I caught her so he wouldn’t fall back.”
Mr. Rubiales was questioned in court about whether he asked Mrs. Hermoso for a kiss or a “little kiss”.
“I can’t remember exactly,” he replied. “But I think it was a small kiss.”
He was also asked if he was aware of the protocol against sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he replied that he was aware of it.
Mrs. Hermoso earlier told the court that she had never given a permit to kiss and the incident “Stained one of the happiest days of my life”.
The lip reading expert told the court on Tuesday that Mr. Rubiales asked Mrs. Hermoso “Can I Kiss You?” Based on a video of a footage where the player’s face could not be seen.
Mr. Rubiales admitted that he “made a mistake” on the podium and that his behavior “not appropriate”, saying that he should “be in an institutional role”, but denied any crime.
Mr. Rubiales resigned in September 2023 after FIFA suspended and the Spanish prosecutors opened the investigation.
Three of his former colleagues were also charged with conflict at the alleged coach: Jorge Vilda, the coach of the World Cup victory, Rubén Rivera, the former head of the Federation Marketing and former sports director Albert Luque.
All four defendants deny the charges against them.
Prosecutors are looking for a two -year prison prison for Rubiales. The trial, which lasts until February 19, continues.
