The ongoing ‘Rubiales Case’ has taken another turn as international footballers Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Misa Rodríguez appeared before Judge Francisco de Jorge at the Audiencia Nacional on October 2nd. These three players testified as witnesses, providing their account of the events that unfolded after the Women’s World Cup final and the subsequent trip to Ibiza, where Jennifer Hermoso and her entourage allegedly faced some form of coercion. This article aims to delve into the details of the case, shedding light on the testimonies given and the ongoing investigation.
According to legal sources, Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes testified via video call, while Misa Rodríguez appeared in person at the Central Court of Instruction No. 1 at 9:45 am to give her statement. She concluded her testimony at 11:30 am. The two Barcelona players also provided their testimonies at the Justice City in the Catalan capital. Legal sources indicate that the players confirmed their knowledge of the allegations made in the complaint, including the pressures that Jennifer Hermoso and her entourage supposedly faced from the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and his inner circle. These pressures allegedly aimed to coerce Hermoso into stating that the kiss was consensual. Additionally, ‘Jugones’ from La Sexta confirmed that Luis Rubiales, while in tears, asked Jennifer Hermoso to record a supportive video, downplaying the significance of the kiss during the medal ceremony following their World Cup victory.
Following the testimonies, Luis Rubiales’ lawyer, Olga Tubau, left the Audiencia Nacional with a smile on her face and briefly responded, “Well,” when asked about the proceedings. The investigation has seen various individuals appear before Judge Francisco de Jorge, including the former head of integrity at the RFEF, the national women’s team’s press officer, and the brother and a friend of Jennifer Hermoso. However, there are still pending testimonies from former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, RFEF’s marketing manager Rubén Rivera, and the sports director of the men’s national team, Albert Luque, who will testify as suspects.
The judge has also summoned witnesses for October 20th, including men’s national team coach Luis de la Fuente, former RFEF Communications Director Pablo García Cuervo, and Deputy Communications Director Enrique Yunta. Furthermore, the psychologist of the women’s national team, Javier López Vallejo, former chief of staff to Luis Rubiales, José María Timón, and the compliance officer of the national team, Javier Pujol, will testify on October 27th. The date for Jennifer Hermoso’s in-person testimony is yet to be determined, but it is known that she will have to travel from Mexico, where she currently plays for Pachuca, to appear before the Audiencia Nacional.
The ‘Rubiales Case’ continues to captivate attention as testimonies are heard and the investigation unfolds. The presence of footballers Alexia Putellas, Irene Paredes, and Misa Rodríguez as witnesses has shed further light on the alleged coercion surrounding the controversial kiss. As the judicial process progresses, more individuals, including high-profile figures in Spanish football, will provide their testimonies. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for the sport and the individuals involved, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and fair investigation.
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