Connect with us

News

Rubiales tells court Hermoso consented to kiss

Rubiales

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”.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Gumel Re-elected Unopposed as ANOCA Treasurer-General in Algiers

 

Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel has been re-elected unopposed as the Treasurer-General of the African Olympic body. at its General Assembly in Algiers.

The African Olympic body is known officially as the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA).

The announcement was made during a successful General Assembly held in Algiers, the Algerian capital, where Gumel was confirmed in his role without opposition.

This marks another term of four years for Engr. Gumel in his capacity as the Treasurer-General.

This is a demonstration of the trust and confidence placed in his leadership by the members of ANOCA drawn from mainly the presidents of the Olympic Movement in the continent.

Alongside Mr. Gumel, the Algerian president of ANOCA, Moustspha Berraf, was also re-elected unopposed, reflecting continued stability and unity within the organization.

Gumel is currently the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the country’s lone member to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The Assembly was rounded up with a special Awards ceremonies with our own Rena Wakama, Nigeria’s D’Tigress Coach to the 2024 Paris Olympics being one the recipients.

She was adjudged the Best African Coach at the Olympics by ANOCA.

Her Trophy was received on her behalf by Gumel and was presented by the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chair, Mallam Shehu Dikko.

Continue Reading

News

It’s Out Again: Sports Market International March- May 2025 Edition

It's Out Again: Sports Market International March- May 2025 Edition

This publication is reintroducing itself with renewed vigor. Following a brief hiatus for content enhancement and logistical improvements, we are pleased to present the inaugural edition of the esteemed SMI Magazine. This edition features a detailed examination of the recent AFCON 2025 draw, during which Morocco committed to hosting a memorable tournament and has provided a glimpse of what to expect in December 2025 and January 2026 through an impressive draw.

The content includes a comprehensive group-by-group analysis of the 2025 AFCON participants, categorizing them as Contenders, Pretenders, and offering predictions for each group to build anticipation for African football. In the realm of boxing, we delve into Anthony Joshua’s reportedly £200 million worth, juxtaposed with his continued residence with his mother, despite his financial capacity to explore various lifestyle choices.

Additionally, we provide insights into Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen’s forthcoming transfer worth €75 million amid numerous speculations regarding his future. We also analyze the 20 most significant transfers during the January 2025 window, highlighting notable movements such as Moroccan forward Omar Marmoush’s transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt to Manchester City.

On the local front, this edition underscores the significance of sports governance, particularly the promising development of a world-class stadium in Warri, Delta State, an initiative spearheaded by His Excellency Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Inside this edition

 

TO ORDER PRINT COPIES, CONTACT US

Address: 7, House 2, Maryland Crescent, Lagos, Nigeria

Email: info@sportsmarketinternational.com

Phone number: +2348066479428

Continue Reading

News

Why We’re Using Football As A Tool For National Unity – Comrade Onengiye Elekima

 

The organisers of the maiden edition of President Bola Tinubu U20 Unity football championship, Onengiye Elekima Foundation have come out to explain why they are using football as a tool to propagate their peace and unity agenda, in line with the avowed commitments of President Bola Tinubu towards engendering lasting peace, unity and progress ìn the country.

President and founder of the foundation, Comrade Onengiye Elekima, in a press statement explained that the forthcoming football championship would see male and female U20 football clubs from across the 774 local government areas of Nigeria, participate and battle for the grand prize money of N50 million.

He was quick however, to reiterate the drive behind the competition. According to the soft-spoken youth advocate, the competition is ostensibly targeted at giving the less privileged, the vulnerable and the seemingly maligned and particularly, the displaced members of the society, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to display their God-given talents.

“We’re very concerned about the lives of the less privileged and particularly, the people of the various IDP camps in the country,” he said.

“Nigeria is a very blessed nation in all of its ramifications and we believe there are millions of talented male and female youths in the villages, towns and even the IDP camps. The Onengiye Elekima Foundation, is set to seek them out and give them a lifetime opportunity to move out of the dark and become better persons by realising their dreams.

“And over several decades, football has become the most veritable tool for promotionbefore peace and unity in the world.  We know the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to engendering peace and unity in the country, and particularly, his love and determination to ensure the Nigerian youths are empowered and encouraged to positively channel their unbridled energies to the betterment of the society. That is why we have keyed into his policies for the youths. And what better tool than football,” he asked rhetorically.

He further disclosed that registration for the competition is free and ongoing, as interested clubsides can visit the dedicated website to download and fill the forms for participation via www.onengiyeelekimafoundation.org.ng

Continue Reading

Trending