Spain's Ex-Soccer Coach Denies Pressure on Jenni Hermoso

Jorge Vilda, ex-coach of Spain's women's soccer team, testified that former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales never instructed him to pressure player Jenni Hermoso to downplay a public kiss during the 2023 Women's World Cup celebration. Hermoso affirmed she did not consent to the kiss, while Rubiales claims she agreed. Rubiales is facing trial over accusations of sexual assault and coercion.

Vilda says he spoke to Hermoso's brother, Rafael, due to concerns about media focus overshadowing the team's World Cup victory. Vilda, along with Albert Luque and Ruben Rivera, faces accusations of coercion to manage the crisis. Montse Tomé, the new coach, insisted Hermoso's absence from the national squad was not punitive. Rubiales, who maintains he is a "witch hunt" victim, resigned after the scandal and received a three-year FIFA ban. Prosecutors seek Rubiales' imprisonment for 2 1/2 years, a 50,000-euro fine, and a ban from sports. They also request 1 1/2-year sentences for the other defendants. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)