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Spain\u2019s High Court has a restraining order to prevent former soccer chief Luis Rubiales approaching Jenni Hermoso, as he appeared in court to be investigated for sexual assault for kissing her on the lips.<\/p>\n
The incident, which occurred at the medal ceremony after Spain\u2019s women\u2019s team won the World Cup last month has triggered a furore over sexism in Spanish sport and society and prompted protests similar to the \u2018Me Too\u2019 movement.<\/p>\n
Rubiales, 46, insists the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso says it was forced on her.<\/p>\n
The order prevents Rubiales trying to contact Hermoso or coming within 200 metres of her, according to a court statement. Judge Francisco de Jorge rejected a request by the prosecution that Rubiales should report to the court every two weeks.<\/p>\n
Rubiales left the High Court in Madrid with his lawyer Olga Tubau following a closed-door investigative hearing that lasted about an hour. He did not speak to the media waiting outside.<\/p>\n
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During the testimony, Rubiales denied the accusations, according to a statement by the prosecutor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
After weeks of resisting calls from players, politicians and women\u2019s groups to step down as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rubiales finally quit on Sept. 10.<\/p>\n
But he remains unrepentant, saying he acted with consent in a moment of celebration and joy.<\/p>\n
As he went to court, local media reported that female players, including the World Cup-wining squad, planned to continue their boycott of the national side until there were further changes in the federation set-up.<\/p>\n
After Hermoso told prosecutors that Rubiales kissed her on the mouth without her consent while holding her head with both hands \u2013 a moment seen by millions on television \u2013 state prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil filed a judicial complaint.<\/p>\n
She added a possible crime of coercion after Hermoso said she and her relatives had been put under pressure by Rubiales and his entourage to say that she had approved what happened.<\/p>\n