The former coach of Spain’s women’s soccer team denied in court on Tuesday that he pressured soccer player Jenny Hermoso into suggesting the sports federation president’s kiss during the World Cup was consensual.
In addition to Jorge Vilda, who was replaced in his post by assistant Monse Tomé due to disagreements arising from a kiss with Jenny Hermoso, in court was present the marketing director of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Ruben Rivera, who also denies pressure from Luis Rubiales, former president of the federation.
Vilda admitted she spoke to Jenny Hermoso’s brother during the flight between Sydney and Madrid, but insisted she did so “of her own decision” to try to “calm the situation down” after realizing the player was upset.
The former selector stated several times that he never received any recommendations from Luis Rubiales and admitted that he decided to talk to Jenny Hermoso’s brother because he “wanted to help her.”
Jorge Vilda insisted that he did not see Rubiales’ controversial kiss with Jenny Hermoso after the World Cup final, which Spain won, but admitted that on the way back he felt a “tense” atmosphere during which he realized that the player was not all right.
The two men were heard by the judge of the National Auditorium, which is investigating Luis Rubiales, former president of the RFEF, for crimes of sexual violence and coercion against Jenny Hermoso.
Vilda and Riviera were initially put forward as witnesses, but the judge changed the status to those under investigation after hearing the footballer’s brother and girlfriend Jenny Hermoso, who confirmed the pressure being put on the player.
On October 16, the judge will hear the director of the men’s team, Albert Luque, who also went from witness to defendant.
Since winning the World Cup title on August 20, the Spanish team has endured turbulent moments sparked by a kiss on the lips given to player Jenny Hermoso by then RFEF president Luis Rubiales during victory celebrations at Sydney Stadium.
Jeni Hermoso said the kiss was not consensual, contrary to claims by Rubiales, who is now the subject of disciplinary proceedings by the Spanish Administrative Court for Sports and FIFA.
The player, in turn, filed a lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by Rubiales, who initially refused to resign but eventually left his position.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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