The Spanish prosecutor has officially filed a lawsuit against Luis Rubiales, alleging charges of sexual assault and coercion following his forced kiss on Jenni Hermoso.
Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Association (FA), has become embroiled in a significant sports and political scandal as a result of his actions during the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
During the medal ceremony that followed Spain’s historic 1-0 victory over England, Rubiales made physical advances towards the triumphant players. He also embraced Jenni Hermoso and forcibly kissed her on the lips.
In response to this incident, Hermoso filed a formal complaint with the prosecutor’s office on Wednesday, potentially exposing Rubiales to criminal charges.
Additionally, Rubiales is currently under investigation by Spain’s highest sports court for “serious misconduct” and has been suspended from all football-related activities by FIFA since August 27th.
Rubiales – who is also a vice-president at UEFA – has refused to resign from his prominent posts and claims to have become the subject of a “witch hunt” from “false feminists”.
He has consistently asserted that his embrace with Hermoso was “consensual” and a spontaneous expression of celebration.
However, critics have come together in opposition to him, with all 23 members of Spain’s victorious World Cup squad declaring their refusal to represent the national team until Rubiales is removed from his position.
Jorge Vilda also witnessed 11 members of his coaching staff resign before ultimately being dismissed himself, a decision he has refused to acknowledge.
Presently, Rubiales awaits a Spanish court’s decision regarding the potential filing of formal charges against him.
In the event that formal charges are brought, Spanish law stipulates that sexual assault carries a potential prison sentence ranging from one to four years.