A court source stated Monday that two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and two other Spain players will appear before a judge about the Women’s World Cup kiss incident involving Luis Rubiales.
Putellas, defender Irene Paredes, and goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez are all scheduled to testify in the case against Rubiales, who is accused of sexual assault after kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain defeated England in the World Cup final on August 20.
Rubiales was the president of Spain’s RFEF at the time, although he has since resigned. On September 15, he made his first appearance in court.
Putellas, one of four players who lead the national team, was quick to publicly defend Hermoso in the wake of the forcible kiss incident, calling Rubiales’ reluctance to resign “unacceptable.”
Next week’s session will also have testimony from Barcelona defender Paredes, who is also a national squad captain, and Rodriguez, who was on the bench during the final.
According to the source, investigating judge Francisco de Jorge heard testimony from Hermoso’s brother and one of her acquaintances on Monday.
Both confirmed Hermoso’s claims that she did not consent to the kiss and that she had been pressed to defend Rubiales’ behavior.
The disgraced former football manager is also facing coercion charges, according to Hermoso, who alleged that she “and those close to her had suffered constant ongoing pressure by Luis Rubiales and his professional entourage to justify and condone” his acts.
RFEF members in court Thursday
On Monday, several specialists testified, and the judge is scheduled to hear testimony from RFEF members on Thursday.
It was unclear whether Hermoso — who has since returned to Mexico and presently plays for Pachuca FC — will be summoned to testify, and if so, when.
Following the original hearing, the judge issued a restraining order prohibiting Rubiales from coming within 200 meters of Hermoso.
Rubiales’ conduct in front of the world’s cameras generated a massive uproar, causing FIFA to suspend him and prosecutors to bring a lawsuit against him before finally resigning on September 11, three weeks after the incident.
However, the kiss sparked a rebellion within women’s football, with scores of players striking to seek radical changes inside the RFEF.
The World Cup squad staged a joint protest with their Swedish opponents ahead of their first Nations League match on Friday, putting up a large banner in Spanish that said “It’s over” in reference to sexism in sports.
Spain won the Gothenburg clash 3-2.