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Rubiales tells court Hermoso consented to kiss

Luis Rubiales has told a court that Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso gave her consent before he kissed her after the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.

The former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) is on trial accused of sexual assault and attempting to coerce Ms Hermoso into publicly saying the kiss had been consensual.

Mr Rubiales told Spain’s National Court in Madrid he was “absolutely sure” the player gave permission for the kiss, adding: “In that moment it was something completely spontaneous.”

The incident happened during the medal ceremony after Spain’s World Cup victory in Australia, triggering protests and calls for Mr Rubiales’s resignation. He denies any criminal wrongdoing.

Giving evidence, Mr Rubiales described the kiss as “an act of affection”.

“This was a tremendous moment for her,” he said. “We were thanking each other, she pressed me very hard around the waist and then I asked her whether I could give her a kiss and she said yes.”

He added: “I took hold of her so as not to fall back.”

Mr Rubiales was questioned in court over whether he asked Ms Hermoso for a kiss or a “little kiss”.

“I can’t remember exactly,” he replied. “But I think it was a little kiss.”

He was also asked if he was aware of the protocol against sexual harassment and sexual violence, to which he replied he was aware of it.

Ms Hermoso has previously told the court she had never given permission to be kissed and the incident had “stained one of the happiest days of my life”.

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Sami Trabelsi Returns as Tunisia’s Head Coach

The Tunisia Football Federation (TFF) has appointed Sami Trabelsi as the new head coach of the Carthage Eagles.

Trabelsi, who previously led the former African champions from 2011 to 2013, replaces Faouzi Benzarti, who was dismissed last October after less than five months in charge.

Kais Yaakoubi served as interim coach following Benzarti’s departure.

Hamadi Daou has been confirmed as one of the national team’s assistant coaches, with the TFF exploring the addition of Mohamed Sahli to the coaching crew.

Tunisia will compete against Nigeria, Uganda, and Tanzania in Group C at the AFCON 2025 finals.

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Cristiano Ronaldo agrees to extend Al-Nassr Contract Until June 2026

Ronaldo shown red card as Al-Nassr lose 2-0 to Al-Hilal

Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed to extend his contract with the Saudi Pro League side, just days after celebrating his 40th birthday.

Ronaldo, who initially signed a two-and-a-half-year deal in January 2023, was set to remain with the club until the end of the 2024/25 season.

However, an Al-Nassr official confirmed that the Portugal captain has agreed to extend his stay by another year, keeping him at the club until June 2026.

“The sides have agreed on the renewable extension of Ronaldo’s contract, but it has not been signed yet. An announcement will be made over the coming days,” the official told AFP.

The extension comes on the heels of Ronaldo’s impressive performance against Al Feiha, where he scored a goal to help Al-Nassr secure a 3-0 victory.

Ronaldo’s continued presence at Al-Nassr is expected to bolster the club’s competitive edge in the Saudi Pro League and inspire younger players with his legendary experience and professionalism.

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Semi Ajayi makes comeback in West Brom’s Victory over Newcastle United

Semi Ajayi marked his return to action for West Bromwich Albion in their Premier League 2 triumph over Newcastle United on Monday night.

The Nigerian international featured throughout the first half as he worked on regaining full fitness.

Ajayi had been sidelined for about four months due to a hamstring injury sustained during the first half of the Baggies’ Sky Bet Championship clash against Cardiff City last October.

The center-back is expected to be fully match-ready in the next two weeks, offering a boost to Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March.

Ajayi’s return to fitness puts him in contention for selection in the Super Eagles squad for their matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.