Rubiales case evolves amid leaks and testimonies in the National Court

The Rubiales case advances into a new phase amid ongoing leaks

The legal proceedings in the Rubiales matter have evolved with a stream of disclosures about who has testified. From the former federation president’s account to statements by the international player, additional material has emerged including WhatsApp messages from figures such as Albert Luque, the men’s team director, and Rubén Rivera, the RFEF marketing director. These leaks originate from the representation team of Jenni Hermoso, TMJ, which stressed that criminal processes must protect the rights of victims and guarantee due process. While the exact statements triggering this stance were not specified, testimonies began to surface early in the case, and Hermoso’s team even asked the court to pause subpoenas for Luque and other witnesses due to the leaked information. Hermoso’s representatives asserted that the leaks jeopardize the health, credibility, and independence of the judicial process and called on authorities to safeguard privacy and pursue accountability for those responsible. The group urged actions to preserve the integrity of the case throughout the investigation and ensure the security of all case information.

Rubiales on his testimony

The long interview with Luis Rubiales, recorded for nearly 55 minutes, was published by a media outlet on October 4. Rubiales described the World Cup win as a moment of affection that did not involve coercion. He contended that the kiss was a natural act between two people who had shared a long relationship and who faced wide public scrutiny. When asked about respecting Hermoso during the kiss, Rubiales suggested that respect had existed and asserted that he believed the account of Hermoso to be inaccurate. He also disputed claims about a separate family situation involving Hermoso and spoke about the public perception surrounding the incident.

Hermoso’s testimony

On October 9 a television program revealed Hermoso’s account before the National Court prosecutor. Hermoso stated that the kiss was not welcomed and that she did not feel respected as a player or a person. She recalled the moment as historic and believed the event could have consequences. Hermoso described her lack of time to react and noted that she informed close colleagues about what happened. She reflected on how the situation unfolded during the Sydney final and described the emotional impact of the incident. She also recalled the response from those around her at the time and expressed that the kiss did not align with her expectations of how events should unfold in high profile settings.

Hermoso described the atmosphere she faced and the reactions of others nearby, including teammates, during the moments surrounding the kiss. She noted that she did not anticipate such a development and emphasized that she did not seek out the situation. Her account highlighted the personal and professional stakes involved for players who reach the highest level of the sport.

Statements from teammates

Several national team players along with Hermoso’s teammates offered statements that aligned with Hermoso’s version of events. The individuals present in court reaffirmed their earlier testimonies and provided details about the atmosphere and pressures surrounding the moment. The witnesses sought to clarify what they knew about the interactions and the context in which those events occurred, focusing on direct knowledge of any pressures exerted on Hermoso during the proceedings.

Jorge Vilda and related testimony

Jorge Vilda faced disclosure in connection with the case after testimony from Hermoso’s brother. Vilda acknowledged some conversations but denied any coercive pressure and described severing ties with the former federation president. He described a step taken to ease the situation and to avoid direct comments that could add to the tension surrounding the case. He noted a difference in atmosphere between the stadium event and the return trip and suggested that speaking to the media might be a tactic to present a consistent account. The account suggested that Vilda saw the need to address the matter in a way that would prevent further escalation among players.

WhatsApp communications involving Luque

Leaks also touched on messages involving Albert Luque, a former director of the national team, sent to a close associate of Hermoso. In these messages Luque expressed harsh views about the case and described actions in a way that suggested a lack of empathy. Luque later indicated he would testify in the National Court, with attention on his statements and their impact on the case.

RFEF and Hermoso’s marketing director

The most recent disclosures focused on exchanges between Hermoso and Rubén Rivera, the RFEF marketing director, during a trip following the World Cup victory. Hermoso testified that Rivera pressured or urged a softened narrative about the events. The messages were presented as casual exchanges, including questions about travel companions and informal remarks. Hermoso described receiving a call from the integrity chief during the Ibiza trip and recounted attempts to persuade her to discuss the matter with Luque later that day. Rivera’s role as a facilitator of dialogue was a central point in the ongoing discussions about influence and control over the narrative surrounding the case.

Communications leadership and additional leaks

Ana Álvarez, the communications director for the women’s team, was among the first figures tied to the leaks. She indicated that Hermoso approved a statement issued on Hermoso’s behalf, a claim that will be explored further as other officials, including Pablo García Cuevo and Patricia Pérez, remain part of the broader communications apparatus surrounding the case. The unfolding leaks have drawn criticism from various observers, with questions about how information is shared and who controls the narrative as the investigation continues.

Judicial safeguards and ongoing developments

As the trial progresses, the court has moved to reduce the circulation of materials linked to testimonies and case minutes. The judge ordered that future materials be accessed in person at the National Court to preserve confidentiality and to ensure that Hermoso and other witnesses can participate without undue external influence. The evolving process underscores the careful balance the judiciary seeks between transparency and privacy while facing intense public scrutiny.