The former president of Spain’s soccer federation Luis Rubiales has denied allegations of sexual assault and coercion filed by soccer player Jenni Hermoso over an alleged non-consensual kiss, the prosecutor leading the case said in a preliminary court hearing on Friday. The prosecutor has also requested a restraining order against Rubiales, so he cannot get within 500m of Hermoso, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. Earlier this week, Rubiales refused to directly apologise to Hermoso over the kiss that ultimately forced his resignation as Spanish football federation president. Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation after Spain’s victory over England in last month’s World Cup final. Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual and submitted the complaint to the national prosecutor’s office.

Source: The Herald September 16, 2023 02:27 UTC