Director of the men’s football team Albert Luque stated on Tuesday that he did not take part in the oppression alleged by actress Jenni Hermoso. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has faced widespread discontent after former president Luis Rubiales appeared to downplay the kiss he received at the World Cup trophy presentation in Australia last August. Tax records reviewed during the trial show that Luque simply answered questions posed by his attorney, exercising his rights as a defendant in the proceedings.
As part of the inquiry, Luque provided a statement via videoconference in the presence of the case investigator, Francisco de Jorge, at the Terrassa courts near Barcelona. The statement concerned a possible coercion charge related to the sexual assault claims against the former federation president. Luque’s lawyers indicated that he accepted the role of witness and respected the process, noting that his involvement stemmed from his position within the federation’s leadership and the ongoing investigations into the broader conduct surrounding the incident.
According to defense sources, Luque had attempted to initiate contact with Hermoso because they were acquaintances. He reportedly sought a private discussion, but Hermoso did not respond. It was later suggested that Hermoso spoke with her friend Ana Belén Ecube about the matter. On the topic of the players’ stay in Ibiza after the World Cup victory, Luque denied that any discussion occurred there about the kiss, and asserted that he had visited the island previously for unrelated reasons.
Observers emphasize that Luque’s testimony is part of a larger inquiry into the culture and governance within the federation, including the events surrounding the World Cup celebration and the measures taken by leadership in response to the allegations. The case illustrates ongoing tensions within the federation as authorities pursue accountability and clarity regarding all parties involved. Marked as part of the judicial process, the statements contribute to a broader effort to determine the extent of influence and any coercive actions related to the incident, while preserving the rights of individuals to present their accounts through legal channels. In this evolving narrative, Luque’s position as an investigator offers a professional perspective on the procedures and safeguards in place during the investigation, separate from the actions or statements of other federation representatives. The overall objective remains to establish a clear account of events and to address the concerns raised by Hermoso and others involved in the case, with careful attention to due process and the integrity of the proceedings.