Spain’s women’s team players Putellas, Rodríguez and Paredes appear before judge in Rubiales probe
The HinduTwo-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and two of her teammates in Spain’s women’s national team appeared before a judge Monday as witnesses in the investigation of former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales for his kiss on player Jenni Hermoso. Spanish state prosecutors have accused Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion for kissing Hermoso on the lips without her consent during the awards ceremony after the Women’s World Cup final in August. A couple of federation officials and former national team coach Jorge Vilda, who was replaced not long after winning the World Cup in Australia, have been summoned as investigated parties. According to a sexual consent law passed last year, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault.