2024-01-02 22:59:00
Jennifer Hermoso Testifies Against Former President of Spanish Soccer Association
Spanish soccer player Jennifer Hermoso testified today (Tuesday) in court in Madrid that the former president of the soccer association, Luis Rubiales, kissed her “non-consensually.” Now the judge investigating the incident, Francisco de Jorge, will have to decide whether to prosecute Rubiales.
During the month of September, Hermoso filed an official complaint against Rubiales for sexual assault after he kissed her on the lips on the podium during the cup awarding ceremony, following the Spanish team’s victory over England in the World Cup final.
The incident sparked outrage throughout the soccer world and ignited one of the most publicized crises in Spanish sports history. The World Football Association (FIFA) suspended Rubiales from his position. His refusal to leave his position drew angry reactions from a large number of parties, with 81 players from the Spanish league, including all the players of the squad of the new world champion, announcing that they would not appear in the team’s uniform until Rubiales was removed from his position.
Hermoso’s testimony lasted about two and a half hours, during which she reiterated that the kiss from the former president was not consensual and that it left her feeling hurt and victimized. She described it as an impulsive, sexist act that lacked her consent.
In addition to Hermoso’s testimony, it was reported that she experienced constant harassment from the parties being investigated on the way back to Spain after the incident, causing her anxiety and distress.
The decision on whether to prosecute Rubiales will also be made based on television footage from the event. As the investigation continues, the soccer world awaits the judge’s ruling on this high-profile case.
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