Rivera and Ecube’s testimony in Ibiza
The National Court judge overseeing the Rubiales case granted Jenni Hermoso’s request for legal representation and scheduled a confrontation between Hermoso’s witness, Ana Belén Ecube, and the marketer involved. The proceedings also appear to involve Rubén Rivera, the director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), who is being looked at for possible pressure on the player’s circle.
Europapress, citing legal sources, confirmed the move and noted that the confrontation is slated for November 30. The hearing is set to include testimonies from the person investigating the case, the former president of the RFEF, Luis Rubiales, and the individuals tied to the player’s entourage to determine the truth behind the alleged pressure connected to the kiss at the World Cup trophy presentation.
Hermoso’s legal team, in a letter shared by La Sexta and obtained by this agency, asked Francisco de Jorge, president of the Central Educational Court No. 1, to carry out the diligence with the seriousness it warrants. The correspondence pointed to inconsistencies between statements offered by different parties and stressed that these statements carry significant weight in assessing the guilt of the person under investigation.
He underscored that the statements given during the investigation play a crucial role in the case, noting that there is no other credible avenue of evidence for the inquiry.
Rivera and Ecube’s statements in Ibiza
It is useful to recall that Ana Belén Ecube testified at the National Court on September 25, the same day a veteran actor’s brother also appeared. Ecube later supported Hermoso’s account before the magistrate, according to legal sources cited by Europa Press; Ecube stated that the kiss was not consensual and that coercion was involved.
Rubén Rivera, meanwhile, testified before the judge as a defendant on October 10 and denied taking part in the alleged repression under investigation. During a trip to Ibiza, where the team celebrated its World Cup win, Rivera explained that his role was to relay information from the RFEF to the players. He described his presence on the island as a form of official communication rather than personal involvement.
Rivera said he was there to assist by handling practical tasks for the players, such as arranging summer garments, bikinis, or club tickets. He rejected claims of discussions with Rubiales or guidance given to him by Rubiales. He admitted that his approach to Hermoso was merely to warn her that she was being sought and to monitor the situation through phone contact.
Rivera also revealed that a friend of the actor discussed logistics with Ecube. In that exchange, Rivera reportedly urged his acquaintance to enable Hermoso to engage in a conversation with him. Albert Luque, the national team director, and a conversation that never occurred were also referenced in this context.
It should be noted that former President Rubiales faced investigations over alleged sexual assault and potential subsequent pressures on the player and her circle, a matter that has remained under scrutiny through the ongoing inquiry. [Attribution: Europa Press and associated legal sources]