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The former head of the Spanish football association, Luis Rubiales, faces several years in prison in the kissing scandal. According to the media, the 46-year-old is now also being burdened by several world champions.
Legend:
After the video circuit
Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas leave the Ciutat de la Justicia in Barcelona.
IMAGO Images/ABACAPRESS.
In the investigation into the kissing scandal surrounding Luis Rubiales, the now resigned head of the Spanish football association RFEF, the judiciary questioned three world champions. World footballer Alexia Putellas, captain Irene Paredes and Misa Rodriguez confirmed on Monday that their teammate Jennifer Hermoso was kissed on the mouth by Rubiales against her will at the World Cup award ceremony, according to the state television station RTVE and other Spanish media reported, citing judicial circles in Madrid.
Put under pressure?
The players also confirmed that Hermoso was then put under pressure on the team bus and on a holiday together in Ibiza in order to relieve Rubiales, it was said. The 46-year-old ex-official tried to persuade the footballer in tears to record a video together.
The three interviewees also said that they had heard from third parties that the 33-year-old Hermoso had been pressured by the then national coach Jorge Vilda, among others, to make her explain that the kiss was mutual.
Things could get tight for Rubiales
The responsible judge, Francisco de Jorge, who is investigating Rubiales for sexual aggression and coercion in connection with the allegedly forced kiss, personally questioned Rodriguez in the State Court in Madrid and heard Putellas and Paredes via video conference. National coach Vilda, who was replaced by Montse Tome after the World Cup, was summoned to appear on October 10th. He is now also being investigated.
Rubiales asserts that Hermoso consented to the kiss. However, the player explained that she felt “as a victim of an impulsive, sexist and inappropriate act that I did not consent to.” The investigating judge must decide whether the accused should be put in the dock. According to experts, Rubiales faces a prison sentence of up to 4 years in this case.