Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
On Wednesday, Jenni Hermoso and one of her teammates testified before a Madrid judge about pressure from ex-Spanish Federation president Luis Rubiales that caused them to downplay his kiss upon Spain winning 2023 Women’s World Cup victory.
Rafael Hermoso testified before a court that former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda requested him to ask Jenni to record a video together with former President to show she accepted her kissing her cheek.
Misa Rodriguez reported that Jenni informed other players she felt pressured by what had taken place and indicated her distress at what transpired. Misa stated she reported this information as well to Jenni’s former teammates and coach as they knew.
Read On…; Rubyales In Court Monday(Cordon Press Photo).
Rubiales stands accused of sexual assault for kissing Jenni Hermoso and coercion for trying to convince player who supported his version of what had occurred during an encounter.
Vilda and two former members of the Federation are being charged with coercion; all four deny wrongdoing.
Jenni Hermoso claims she did not give permission for Rubiales and himself to kiss, while Rubiales claims otherwise.
Rafael Hermoso stated his sister reported being under pressure from members of the Spanish federation multiple times.
“She came crying to us, telling us they had pressured her into downplaying their kiss,” Rafael stated.
Rodriguez recounted hearing Jenni speak about a kiss which occurred, yet did not know how best to react.
She stated that Jenni told them she felt pressured into recording and downplaying their kiss in a video.
“She told us she did not wish to participate, and we supported her decision,” Rodriguez stated.
“We advised her that it would be in her best interests for her to stop speaking to anyone and rest, as we saw signs that her health had declined significantly.”
Rafael Hermoso told Vilda she asked him on their flight back from Australia’s finals if he could help talk her sister out of suicide.
“He mentioned kissing while talking about soccer and its accomplishments, Rafael told the press.
“He told me the president asked me to talk with Jenni and get her to record a video together without touching on their kiss, because that would be best for all parties concerned.
Rafael noted that Vilda informed them of Rubiales’ daughters sobbing and of how the president is concerned he may lose his position due to what had transpired.
Vilda informed him that Jenni had declined the video opportunity.
“I told Rafael that I wouldn’t attempt to convince her of something which didn’t match up with what I believed,” Rafael continued.
Rafael perceived Vilda to have put undue pressure on his sister by signalling she would face difficulty within the federation if she decided not to contribute her assistance.
Vilda implied Jenni owed something to Rubiales’ daughters or the President himself, according to Vilda’s remarks.
Jenni Hermoso wasn’t immediately reinstated into the national team following the World Cup due to new coach Montse Tome wanting to protect Jenni.
Rubiales has not testified and denies all charges brought against her.
He eventually gave in under pressure three weeks later and FIFA issued him with a three year suspension, though he maintained he had been subjected to an unfair campaign led by false feminists.
Trial proceedings continue.
