MADRID.- The former president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubialesconvicted of sexual assault for a forced kiss on the player Jenni Hermosoagain minimized the facts in an interview and claimed to be the victim of a “radical left” campaign.
Rubiales was sentenced in the first instance and then on appeal to a fine of 10,800 euros ($12,500) for having forcibly kissed the player at the trophy presentation of the Women’s World Cup in Sydney, on August 20, 2023.
But this Tuesday he reiterated on the television program El Chiringuito that that kiss was “consensual”, a statement denied by Hermoso and confirmed by the Spanish justice system.
“As president I should have been colder, more institutional. No, I don’t apologize to Jenni Hermoso because I asked her and she said okay,” repeated the former Spanish soccer leader.
“When there is a sentence, we all have the obligation to abide by it, but the rule of law allows us to appeal it if we do not agree and we actually think that this is not a sexual assault,” continued Rubiales, whose lawyer told AFP that she would appeal in cassation.
Questioned about the content of his book, titled “Killing Rubiales”, the former leader of the RFEF assured that he had been the victim of an “immediate movement of the extreme left with clear directed interests, with a parallel reality created and with an immediate change of script.”
Since a reform of the Spanish Penal Code, a non-consensual kiss can be considered sexual assault, a criminal category that encompasses all types of sexual violence.
Rubiales is also being investigated in another case, this time for corruption, related to the contract to transfer the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.
The investigation focuses on a series of irregular contracts signed by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) during his term as president, between 2018 and 2023.
Juventus announces new CEO
Five months after his arrival at Juventus Turin, Frenchman Damien Comolli was named executive director of the most successful club in Italian football on Tuesday.
Comolli, who served as general director of the Piedmontese club, succeeds Maurizio Scanavino, whose mandate came to an end on November 7.
“This club has infinite potential. After 33 years in football, I have never seen such passion, such community spirit, such unity, such respect and such a rich history (…) We have a long-term project that we believe is unique and that will allow us to shine on the European scene. But first of all our goal is to reconquer Serie A,” declared the new CEO of the “Vecchia Signora.”
Since his arrival at Juve, the former sporting director of Liverpool and Fenerbahçe had to manage the crisis that led to the dismissal of coach Igor Tudor, and his replacement by Luciano Spalletti.
Juve occupies sixth place in the Italian league, five points behind the leader, Inter Milan, and 26th place in the Champions League, with three points after four games played.
