Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso has appeared in court to provide testimony against former president of the country's football association, Luis Rubiales, regarding the 'kiss-gate' scandal.
Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips during the Spanish team's medal and trophy presentation after their 1-0 victory over England in Sydney. Rubiales claims the kiss was consensual and denies any wrongdoing. However, he was subsequently banned from football-related activities by FIFA and later resigned as the president of the Spanish Football Association.
The incident sparked widespread outrage in the football community. Hermoso filed a criminal complaint against Rubiales on September 6, leading to prosecutors filing a lawsuit alleging sexual assault and coercion two days later.
The alleged coercion involves Rubiales pressuring Hermoso to defend him publicly after facing criticism for his behavior. The presiding judge at Madrid's High Court will now decide whether the case should proceed to trial.
Testimonies from other World Cup-winning players, coaches, and federation officials are being heard by the judge before reaching a decision. Hermoso is expected to reiterate that the kiss was unwanted and that Rubiales and his staff tried to pressure her and her family to downplay the incident.
Hermoso reportedly requested a private court appearance, and images showed her arriving at Madrid's High Court for a closed-door session, where she will provide her account of the events following Spain's World Cup victory in August.
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