'Jenni Hermoso knows she's lying' - Luis Rubiales issues extraordinary denial to Women's World Cup final sexual assault claims as former RFEF president says judges have told him 'no crime' was committed

The 33-year-old forward was subject to what she maintains was a "non-consensual" kiss following Spain's victorious World Cup final against England, where Hermoso missed a penalty but La Roja prevailed 1-0. As a result, Rubiales resigned from his position as RFEF president after intense pressure, and was hit with a three-year ban from FIFA. Despite this backlash, Rubiales has maintained his innocence throughout, launching a fresh attack on Hermoso in an extraordinary denial.

Speaking in an interview with El Espanol and OK Diario (via Marca), the 46-year-old said: "On the street everyone is with me, especially the women. I feel very comforted by the people who have supported me. Everyone who stops me tells me that it is an injustice and something tremendous. She [Hermoso] knows that she is lying, I know it and my daughters who accompanied me know it and they heard Jenni say: 'Leave me alone, he is a friend, it has been a pain.' between two friends. My daughters have heard that."

Hermoso testified against Rubiales in Madrid High Court earlier this month, as a judge continues to examine evidence before approving the case for trial. But even in this instance Rubiales seemed unphased, adding: "I speak with many judges and not one of them thinks that there is a crime here. I believe that there is no one who believes that what happened was a sexual assault. Nowadays, with media pressure that has been created and political parties, is that you practically have to be brave to make a decision that goes against the current."

The Spaniard also faces claims he inappropriately groped members of the Lionesses squad after the same final in Sydney. There is no confirmed end date on whether Rubiales' case could go to trial, but Reuters writes that the sexual assault charges could carry a prison term of between one and four years, if he is found guilty.