Putellas and Paredes after their video testimony. — © EPA-EFE
Three players from the Spanish selection that won the world title in women’s football in Sydney, Australia at the end of August, stated in court in the capital Madrid on Monday that the controversial kiss by former federation president Luis Rubiales to player Jenni Hermoso was not consensual, according to the report. news agency AFP learned from judicial sources.
According to Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes and Misa Rodriguez, after winning the World Cup final, Hermoso was kissed on the mouth against her will by Rubiales, who subsequently came into a storm of criticism and had to resign in the meantime. In addition, the three players stated before the Audiencia Nacional, the most important criminal court in the country, that Rubiales and his entourage subsequently put pressure on Hermoso to declare that she had consented to the kiss. The three players were called as witnesses. Barcelona players Putellas and Paredes did so via a video link, Real Madrid goalkeeper Rodriguez went to the court.
Rubiales received a summons last month on charges of sexual aggression and coercion. In an initial hearing he denied the accusations, but a restraining order was imposed. When all interrogations have ended, the investigating judge will decide whether there will be further prosecution by the court.
