Three players from the Spanish selection, including Alexia Putellas, confirmed Monday before a judge the existence of pressure on Jenni Hermoso after the forced kiss of the former president of the Spanish Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales, according to judicial sources. Summoned as witnesses by judge Francisco de Jorge, in charge of the case, Alexia Putellas, Ballon d’or 2021, Irene Paredes and Misa Rodriguez spoke of “the facts which are the subject of the complaint, for the part of which they are aware,” judicial sources indicated.
On this occasion, the three world champions confirmed that Luis Rubiales’ kiss on Jenni Hermoso was not consented and that the former president of the federation and his entourage exerted pressure on the player after this action. Barcelona players Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes were heard by videoconference from the Catalan capital, while Real Madrid goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez spoke in person at the National Court, Spain’s main criminal court.
Rubiales charged with “sexual assault”
Luis Rubiales, who resigned from his post on September 10, was charged in this case with “sexual assault” but also “coercion”, due to the alleged pressure exerted on Jenni Hermoso and her entourage. Judge Francisco de Jorge also indicted the former coach of the women’s “Roja” Jorge Vilda, the head of marketing for the Federation Rubén Rivera, and the director of the men’s selection Albert Luque. The first two are summoned on October 10 and the third on October 16.