Two-time world footballer Alexia Putellas will testify in court in the kissing scandal involving world champions Jennifer Hermoso and Luis Rubiales.
As a source in the Spanish justice system announced on Monday, Putellas will be summoned to testify next Monday along with fellow world champions Irene Paredes and Misa Rodriguez in the sexual assault trial against Rubiales.
After the World Cup final in Sydney, Hermoso was kissed on the mouth by the Spanish association president Rubiales, who has since resigned, without her consent. The incident triggered a wave of international outrage.
Putellas was one of the first to come to her teammate’s defense after the scandal and condemned Rubiales’ week-long refusal to resign as president as “unacceptable.”
On Monday, investigating judge Francisco de Jorge had already heard the statements of Hermoso’s brother and one of her friends, the source said. Both confirmed Hermoso’s statements that she did not consent to the kiss and was under pressure to justify Rubiales’ actions.
There was initial uncertainty about whether Hermoso – who has since returned to Mexico, where she currently plays for Pachuca FC – would be called to testify and, if so, when that would happen.