National Court judge Francisco de Jorge addressed the matter on 28 November, speaking about the national team player Jenni Hermoso and the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales. He testified that Rubiales was hurt by a kiss that Hermoso described as not consensual after the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia, on 20 August.
The magistrate is continuing an inquiry into Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion. According to the National Court, Hermoso was summoned in person at 12:30 p.m. on the following Tuesday. She had already returned to Spain after her Pachuca club was eliminated in Mexico.
As reported by Prensa Ibérica Group through El Periódico de España, the Office of the Prosecutor for the National Court believes the investigations have yielded solid evidence suggesting Rubiales committed sexual assault and then tried to compel the involved person not to pursue it. The report mentions related movements and events. Former women’s coach Jorge Vilda and other figures are also under investigation, including Albert Luque, a director of the men’s team, and Rubén Rivera, associated with RFEF’s marketing division.
Completing the instruction
With the arrival of the Pachuca player from Mexico, the Public Ministry indicated there would be no need to start new procedures, effectively concluding the instruction. Still, the defense for those investigated and the accusers retain the option to contest that outcome.
In any case, the decision to extend the judicial inquiry rests with the president of the Central Educational Court No. 1 for the time being. The current order remains: Rubiales is prohibited from approaching the alleged victim within a distance of 200 meters.