Disgraced former head of Spain’s soccer federation Luis Rubiales will not be allowed within 200 metres of player Jenni Hermoso after he allegedly kissed her on the lips non-consensually. 

An investigating high court judge imposed the restraining order to prevent Mr Rubiales from approaching Ms Hermoso on Friday. 

Mr Rubiales will deny he sexually assaulted and coerced Ms Hermoso, the Madrid court heard. 

The incident, which occurred at the medal ceremony after Spain’s women’s team won the World Cup in Sydney, has triggered a furore over sexism in Spanish sport and society. 

Mr Rubiales, 46, insists the kiss was consensual, while Ms Hermoso says it was forced upon her.

Mr Rubiales arrived at court with his lawyer Olga Tubau 50 minutes before the scheduled investigative hearing, and did not speak to media waiting outside. 

Mr Rubiales will deny all allegations, the prosecutor leading the case said in a later statement.

Ms Hermoso filed a complaint, alleging Mr Rubiales kissed her on the mouth without her consent while holding her head with both hands.

An accusation of alleged coercion was added to the case after Ms Hermoso said she and her relatives allege they were put under pressure by Mr Rubiales and his entourage to say she approved what happened.

Judge Francisco De Jorge has ordered media, including state broadcaster TVE, to send him footage of the incident.

He has also requested subsequent videos such as one with the players celebrating on a bus with Mr Rubiales referring to the kiss in what appeared to be a light-hearted manner.

Loading

If the case goes to trial, Mr Rubiales could face between one and four years imprisonment if found guilty.

After weeks of resisting calls from players, politicians and women’s groups for him to step down as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Mr Rubiales finally quit his position on September 10.

Team continues boycott in support

As Mr Rubiales attended court, women players, including the World Cup-wining squad, said they would continue their boycott of the national side until there were changes in the federation set-up.

Many players, sports bodies and politicians have backed Ms Hermoso in a campaign coalescing around the hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) on social media.

More than 80 of Spain’s top female players, including the 23 world champions, have refused to play for the national team until there are changes in the RFEF management line-up and style.

Team coach Jorge Vilda and his assistant Montse Tome were also replaced amid the controversy.

Reuters