Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales has launched a new attack on Spanish star Jenni Hermoso, as he continues to vehemently deny any sexual assault.
The 33-year-old striker was the victim of a ‘non-consensual’ kiss after Spain’s victorious World Cup final against England, where Hermoso missed a penalty but La Roja won 1 -0. As a result, Rubiales resigned as RFEF president following intense pressure, and was hit with a three-year suspension by FIFA. Despite this pressure, Rubiales has always maintained his innocence, launching a new attack on Hermoso in an extraordinary denial.
In an interview with El Espanol and OK Diario, Rubiales, 46, said: “ In the street, everyone is with me, especially the women. I feel very comforted by the people who have supported me. Everyone who stops me tells me that it’s an injustice and something huge. She (Hermoso) knows that she is lying, I know it and my daughters who are with me know it and they heard Jenni say: “Leave me alone, he is a friend, it was painful”. My daughters heard it.”
Hermoso testified against Rubiales in Madrid’s high court earlier this month, as a judge continues to review evidence before approving the trial. But even then, Rubiales didn’t seem troubled, adding: “I speak with many judges and none of them think this is a crime. I don’t think anyone thinks this is sexual assault. Today, with the media pressure that has been created and the political parties, you almost have to be courageous to make a decision that goes against the grain.”
The Spaniard is also the subject of allegations that he “groped” members of the team after that famous final in Sydney. There is no confirmed date for Rubiales’ trial, but Reuters writes that the sexual assault charges could carry a prison sentence of one to four years, if he is convicted.
