Louis Rubiales told the Spanish footballer Jenny Hermoso before he kissed her at the World Cup final in 2023.
Former President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is in the process of having a sexual assault and an attempt to force G -Jia Hermoso publicly, saying that the kiss was consensus.
Giving evidence, the 47 -year -old Rubiales said he was “absolutely sure” the player gave permission for the kiss, adding: “At that moment it was something completely spontaneous.”
The incident happened during the medal ceremony after the victory of the Spanish World Cup in Australia, provoking protests and calling for Mr. Rubiales' resignation. He denies any criminal misconduct.
Rubiales described the kiss as a “act of affection” to the National Court of Spain in Madrid on Tuesday.
“Jenny hugged me,” he said.
“I have known her for many years and I kissed her because she was a champion. It was a huge moment for her. We were champions, we thanked each other.
“She pressed me very hard to the waist and then I asked her if I could kiss her and she said yes.
He added, “I forgot her so I didn't fall back.”
Rubiales was questioned in court about whether he asked D -Jia Hermos for a kiss or a “little kiss”.
“I can't remember exactly,” he replied. “But I think it was a little kiss.”
He was also asked if he was aware of the protocol against sexual harassment and sexual abuse, to which he replied that he was aware of it.
D -gia Hermoso had previously told the court that she had never given permission to be kissed and the incident had “Colored one of the most savage days of my life”S
Next, Spain said, “My boss was kissing me and this should not happen in any social or work environment.”
She added: “Kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”
D -Ja Hermoso said she was withdrawn shortly after the kiss and asked to agree with a statement that minimized the incident she refused to do.
Then Rubiales asked her to record a video with him in the flight at home, as he was accused of attacking on social media, she told court. She said she had received death threats, which prompted her to move her family to Mexico, where she now plays.
ReutersA lip reading expert told the court on Tuesday that G -n Rubiales asked d -ga hermoso “Can I kiss you?” Based on video footage where the player's face was not visible.
Rubiales admitted that he “made a mistake” on the podium and that his behavior “is not appropriate”, saying that he should have “been in a more institutional role,” but denied that every crime had been committed.
He said the attention of the media, which the incident was attracted, was “ridiculous”, adding that d -hermos had never reproached him because of the kiss at any moment in the immediate after the incident.
Rubiales resigned in September 2023 after FIFA stopped him and Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation.
Three of his former colleagues are also defendants accused of conspiracy in the alleged coercion: Jorge Wilda, World Cup coach, Ruben Rivera, former Federation Marketing Chair, and former Sport Director Albert Luke.
All four defendants deny the charges against them.
Prosecutors are looking for a two -year prison for Rubiales. The test, which lasts until February 19, continues.