Judicial review expands as witnesses detail the Rubiales kiss incident
In the ongoing inquiry led by Judge Francisco de Jorge, new statements have emerged regarding the kiss between former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales and actress Jennifer Hermoso during the most recent World Cup final. The investigation has proceeded with caution, as the judge summoned key figures to testify on November 16, including Laia Codina, a national team player, and Rafael del Amo, who chairs the National Women’s Football Committee. Their appearances aim to clarify the sequence of events and the context surrounding the kiss, which has sparked broad public discussion and legal scrutiny. The testimonies are intended to inform the judicial assessment of potential offenses and the appropriate measures, if any, under the applicable law.
Two newly identified witnesses have spoken about alleged sexual aggression and coercion, expanding the evidentiary record already in motion. These statements add to depositions that remain pending in the case, even as Hermoso’s legal representation pushed for heightened scrutiny over media leaks and privileged information surrounding the proceedings. The legal team hinted at taking formal action if necessary to protect the integrity of the process, signaling the seriousness with which the case is being treated. Meanwhile, testimony from Albert Luque, the manager of the Spanish team, and other witnesses that had been scheduled for forthcoming weeks has been put on hold. These pauses reflect the careful balancing act required in high-profile investigations, where new information can shift legal timelines and strategic considerations for all parties involved.
Del Amo, who stood out as the sole Federation board member to demand Rubiales’s dismissal in the wake of the events in Australia, had argued for a firm response. He published a statement endorsing a decisive rejection of Rubiales’s conduct, underscoring a belief that the federation needed a clear break from the behavior observed in that period. The evolving narrative, however, has seen differing views within the leadership, with Pedro Rocha, the individual who later took over the presidency, not accepting that stance. The divergence in positions highlights the tension within the federation as it confronts questions of accountability, leadership, and the standards expected of its executives. [attribution: Reuters]