'Because I'm a man' - Rubiales insists he committed no crime against Jeni Hermoso

Rubiales, 46, faces trial for allegedly kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after last summer's World Cup final. 

The incident led to his resignation, with Hermoso and her teammates deeming the kiss demeaning and non-consensual.

In a candid interview with Spanish TV channel La Sexta, as reported by BBC, Rubiales vehemently denied any wrongdoing regarding the controversial kiss, stating, "You cannot question Jennifer Hermoso, but you can question me - because I am a man? For me, there is no crime against Jennifer Hermoso." 

Rubiales expressed bewilderment at the notion that the kiss constituted sexual assault, asserting, "Whoever sees the images... I can't understand that anyone would consider it a sexual assault. Those who are victims of everything are my family and my friends."

Rubiales faces serious legal ramifications, with Spanish prosecutors seeking a two-and-a-half-year jail term. 

He's charged not only with sexual assault but also with coercion. The coercion charge stems from allegations that Rubiales pressured Hermoso into declaring the kiss consensual, an accusation he vehemently refuted during the TV interview. 

Reflecting on his conduct following Spain's World Cup victory over England, Rubiales admitted, "I should have been colder and more institutional... not have been so happy."

However, Rubiales's legal woes don't end there, he was arrested in Madrid on unrelated corruption charges upon returning from the Dominican Republic. 

These allegations revolve around suspicions of receiving illegal commissions in a deal to stage the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. 

Rubiales maintained his innocence, declaring, "I have declared everything... I have never taken a bribe in my life." 

“He lamented the repercussions of the investigation, revealing, "My bank accounts have been blocked, and now I can't even pay for a drink."

In the face of mounting scrutiny, Rubiales remained steadfast in his defence, asserting, "If there is an investigation, there must be a presumption of innocence."