Luis Rubiales given restraining order banning him from going near Jenni Hermoso after World Cup kiss
Luis Rubiales has been given a restraining order after sexual assault allegations by Jenni Hermoso, the footballer he kissed at the Women’s World Cup final.
A judge has banned the former president of the Spanish FA from contacting the player or going within 200m of her.
But Francisco de Jorge rejected a request to make Rubiales attend court every 15 days to prevent him fleeing the country.
Following a court hearing in Madrid on Friday, the state prosecutors’ office said he denied sexual assault and coercion.
There was uproar after the former head of Spain’s football federation kissed Hermoso on the lips during the presentation at the World Cup final in August.
It triggered an outcry over sexism in Spanish sport and wider society and prompted protests similar to the MeToo movement.
Hermoso said she didn’t consent to it – something Rubiales disputes.
As the court hearing took place, dozens of Spanish female footballers – including the World Cup-winning squad – issued a statement, saying they still did not feel safe playing for the national team.
The players – 39 in total – demanded further federation changes, but did not clarify whether they would continue with a boycott on playing for the national team.
“We believe that it is time to fight to show that these situations and practices have no place in our football or in our society,” the players said.
Rubiales finally stepped down on Sunday after resisting fierce calls to resign, but Spanish authorities had already filed a complaint against him.
It came after Hermoso made a formal complaint to the prosecutor.
The player said she and her family were pressured by Rubiales to show support for him in the aftermath of the incident.
It is now up to the judge to decide whether to pursue formal criminal charges.
Rubiales could be fined or jailed for between one to four years if the case goes to trial.
He is also facing an inquiry by Spain‘s top sport court for “serious misconduct” and an investigation by FIFA, which has provisionally suspended him.
Rubiales was also pictured grabbing his crotch in celebration when Spain edged out England in the game in Sydney.
The 46-year-old did not speak as he entered Spain’s national court on Friday, but recently told Piers Morgan he is a “good guy” and the truth would emerge.
The fallout from his actions has also seen the team’s manager, Jorge Vilda, sacked after he applauded Rubiales during a speech.