Strong evidence cited in the Rubiales case and the Hermoso kiss allegation
There is strong evidence of sexual assault and coercion connected with the actions surrounding Luis Rubiales. The second charge concerns the kiss exchanged with national team player Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the final in Australia. The prosecutor’s office reach this conclusion after consulting a large number of witnesses who appeared before the National Court to present their accounts of events. Judge Francisco de Jorge is overseeing the matter.
Public Ministry sources reference El Periódico de España from the Prensa Ibérica group. In the absence of personally hearing Hermoso, some officials argued that there was no need to expand the investigation further, regardless of whether the special prosecutor’s office or the defense can proceed. The decision on whether to extend the judicial probe rests with the president of the Central Court of Investigation No. 1, who has so far maintained the order barring Rubiales from approaching within 200 meters of his alleged victim.
Regardless of the charges ultimately brought against Rubiales, the Prosecutor’s Office believes a separate charge for coercion remains viable. The potential penalties range from six months to two years in prison. The alleged parties include former women’s coach Jorge Vilda and men’s team directors Albert Luque and Rubén Rivera, who remain federal employees. At this time, no expansion of the investigation to additional individuals is anticipated.
There is a photo caption indicating the day Jorge Vilda testified before the National Court to explain that Hermoso was pressured. The caption notes EFE as the source.
Statement from Jenni Hermoso
One crucial piece of evidence remains pending: Hermoso herself must testify before the National Court, a step that will help corroborate or challenge statements already presented. Prosecutor Marta Durántez pressed ahead with the filing of the complaint as the case moved forward.
The content of some demonstrations was not disclosed at the time, but portions of the interrogation were later leaked through a media program. Hermoso testified that the kiss was not consensual and stated that she did not feel respected as a person or as a player at the time of the events. She said she endured a situation she never sought or intended to be part of.
This account diverges from Rubiales’ position, who told Judge De Jorge that the kiss was a joke, a spontaneous display of affection during a public celebration. He claimed what happened was part of a totally extraordinary celebration and that the kiss had been requested in advance by the player, who had given her consent.
From the outset, investigators did not intend to force Hermoso, who was playing for the Mexican club Pachuca, to cut her season short to fly to Spain. That could change if future developments push for a different outcome, particularly if her team advances in the Apertura playoffs. Pachuca is not expected to resume competition until after Christmas, with an official statement anticipated in the coming weeks.
In-person appearance
Legal sources indicate that the judge prefers a personal appearance rather than a videoconference, because immediacy is seen as crucial in a case involving sexual assault. This does not mean the subpoena is reserved for the end of the trial; the Prosecution would rather have the appearance timed to Hermoso’s convenience and availability, within the jurisdiction of Spain.
Recent statements from Rafael del Amo, head of the National Women’s Football Committee, suggested a conflicting version of events with those provided by Rubiales and Vilda. Del Amo’s remarks, reported by media, touched on pressures tied to the flight back from Sydney and included a reference to Hermoso’s brother’s possible involvement in the matter.
During testimony, Del Amo described how Rubiales may have asked an older coach to speak with Rafael, hinting at downplaying what had happened. He also indicated that Vilda was named as the primary author of the press statements at the time, with other actors and a Hermoso confidant present during the trip corroborating the claims.
On the other hand, Vilda stated that it would be unsettling if a coach could pressure someone publicly on an airplane simply because of a long-standing relationship, and noted that a brother’s involvement could alter the perceived context without forcing anything on Hermoso.
Judge in the Rubiales case suspends confrontation between Jenni Hermoso’s friend and RFEF’s marketing manager
Witnesses who have appeared before the court have raised concerns about possible inconsistencies or attempts to mislead the investigation. The Prosecutor’s Office has documented instances of “deliberate disregard for the truth” among witnesses, including José María Timón Iglesias, a former president Rubiales’ cabinet director.
The investigation also explores alleged pressures not only on the plane but also at the stadium after the events, or even during the return trip. Discussions have touched on a publicized kiss and its rapid dissemination, along with claims and denials attributed to Hermoso regarding whether the kiss was consensual. An expert lip-reading report presented by the defense was used to argue that consent could have been implied, though the court must weigh the evidence carefully.