Jorge Vilda, the former coach of Spain women’s soccer team, told a judge on Wednesday that ex-soccer federation president Luis Rubiales did not ask him to put pressure on Jenni Hermoso following the outcry that erupted after Rubiales kissed the player.
Hermoso's brother, Rafael Hermoso, had said in court that Vilda talked to him on the plane and asked him to convince the player to record a video together with Rubiales.
Vilda said Rubiales knew he was talking to Hermoso's brother, but said he was never asked — or saw anybody trying — to pressure the player.
Vilda said he talked to Hermoso’s brother after the scandal broke because he was worried about the player, considering the huge media attention that was being given to the kiss.
Rubiales is on trial accused of sexual assault and coercion for allegedly trying to downplay the kiss that sparked outrage in Spain and marred the celebrations of the team’s first World Cup title.
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