MOSCOW, September 15 – The National Court of Spain has ruled to ban the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, from approaching national team player Jennifer Hermoso within 200 meters, La Sexta reports from the courtroom.

This decision was made by Judge Francisco de Jorge. The ban was imposed as an interim measure for the consideration of the case in open court. At the same time, the judge rejected the prosecutor’s request to ensure Rubiales’ periodic appearance in court, as well as the soccer player’s lawyer’s request to temporarily seize the defendant’s assets.

Rubiales’ trial for kissing a soccer player began earlier Friday. During his testimony, the former head of the RFEF denied all accusations against him.

During the awards ceremony for the winners of the Women’s World Cup, which took place in Australia and New Zealand, Rubiales hugged and kissed Hermoso on the lips. Many journalists and fans called his actions excessive. The head of the RFEF apologized for his behavior, but the federation convened an extraordinary assembly, during which Rubiales said that he would not resign and was ready to defend himself in court. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has temporarily suspended Rubiales from all football-related activities. On September 10, it became known that the Spaniard had left the post of president of the organization. The RFEF confirmed his resignation. On Monday, Spain’s National Court opened criminal proceedings against Rubiales.