Disgraced ex-RFEF president Luis Rubiales has launched a fresh attack on Spain star Jenni Hermoso, as he continues to vehemently deny sexual assault.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Rubiales accused of sexual assaultHermoso says WC final kiss was not consensualEx-RFEF president reiterates Spain star is "lying"WHAT HAPPENED?
The 33-year-old forward was subject to what she maintains was a "non-consensual" kiss following Spain's victorious World Cup final against England, where Hermoso missed a penalty but La Roja prevailed 1-0. As a result, Rubiales resigned from his position as RFEF president after intense pressure, and was hit with a three-year ban from FIFA. Despite this backlash, Rubiales has maintained his innocence throughout, launching a fresh attack on Hermoso in an extraordinary denial.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT RUBIALES SAID
Speaking in an interview with El Espanol and OK Diario (via ), the 46-year-old said: "On 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 is an injustice and something tremendous. She [Hermoso] knows that she is lying, I know it and my daughters who accompanied me know it and they heard Jenni say: 'Leave me alone, he is a friend, it has been a pain.' between two friends. My daughters have heard that."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Hermoso testified against Rubiales in Madrid High Court earlier this month, as a judge continues to examine evidence before approving the case for trial. But even in this instance Rubiales seemed unphased, adding: "I speak with many judges and not one of them thinks that there is a crime here. I believe that there is no one who believes that what happened was a sexual assault. Nowadays, with media pressure that has been created and political parties, is that you practically have to be brave to make a decision that goes against the current."
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR RUBIALES?
The Spaniard also faces claims he inappropriately groped members of the Lionesses squad after the same final in Sydney. There is no confirmed end date on whether Rubiales' case could go to trial, but writes that the sexual assault charges could carry a prison term of between one and four years, if he is found guilty.