Former Spanish Chief,Rubiales to testify in court in kiss case

By Iyojo AMEH

The former Spanish soccer chief, Luis Rubiales, is scheduled to testify before the High Court in Madrid on Friday. He faces allegations of an unsolicited kiss on the lips of World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony following the Spanish women’s team’s World Cup victory in Sydney, Australia, last month.

This incident sparked outrage over sexism and macho behavior in Spain.

Despite calls from players, sports bodies, and politicians to resign from his position as president of the Royal Spanish Football, Rubiales had initially refused, claiming the kiss was mutual and consensual.

However, the controversy persisted, leading to his resignation after Hermoso filed a criminal complaint against him.

The complaint states that Rubiales kissed her on the mouth “without her consent,” holding her head with both hands, in front of a global television audience after Spain’s victory over England in the women’s World Cup final on Aug. 20. High Court judge Francisco de Jorge is overseeing the investigation since the incident occurred outside Spain.

Rubiales has not provided a response to questions about the case.