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STORY: Spanish prosecutors have requested a restraining order against former soccer chief Luis Rubiales to prevent him from approaching national team player Jenni Hermoso.

He appeared in court on Friday (September 15) to be investigated for sexual assault after kissing her on the lips.

46-year old Rubiales insists the incident on August 20, after Spain's women's team won the World Cup final in Sydney, was consensual.

But Hermoso told prosecutors that Rubiales kissed her without her consent while holding her head with both hands at the medal ceremony.

If granted, the restraining order would prevent Rubiales from trying to contact Hermoso, or coming within 500 meters of her.

Rubiales did not speak to the media waiting outside after the closed-door hearing that lasted about an hour.

He denied the accusations during the testimony.

Rubiales finally quit as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation earlier this week, having resisted previous calls for him to step down.

But he remains unrepentant, saying he acted with consent in a moment of celebration and joy.

Here's Hermoso's lawyer, Carla Vall.

"Logically, Mrs. Hermoso is affected by the event, by the humiliating act that she experienced in the stadium and has tarnished a sporting milestone, a great victory so we would appreciate it if the treatment of the matter would be adequate to emotionally support this process."

The prosecutor in this case added there was also a possible crime of coercion.

Hermoso says she and her relatives were put under pressure by Rubiales and his team to say that she "justified and approved what happened."

The investigation, which could take several months, precedes any formal charges under Spanish law, and decides whether the case goes to trial.

If it does and Rubiales is found guilty, he could face up to four years in jail.

The incident has triggered a row over sexism in both Spanish sport and society, and prompted other women to come forward with reports of sexism and assault.

Many players, sports bodies and politicians have backed Hermoso online in social media campaigns.