I asked if I could give her a little kiss... she said yes

Ex-Spanish football chief takes stand

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

A FORMER Spanish football chief told a court yesterday he was "sure" a female star agreed to a kiss at the World Cup final.

Luis Rubiales, ex-President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, denies sexual assault and attempting to force Jenni Hermoso into saying the kiss had been consensual.

Giving evidence for the first time, he described the kiss as an "act of affection" and "completely spontaneous".

It came during the medal ceremony after Spain's 1-0 World Cup win over England in Sydney on August 20, 2023.

"I've known her for many years and I kissed her because she was a champion," he told a court in Madrid.