A Spanish prosecutor has taken legal action against the suspended President of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, regarding the kissing incident that unfolded after the Women’s World Cup final. The incident occurred during the awards ceremony after Spain's victory over England on August 20th in Sydney.
Rubiales, who is currently suspended from his position, kissed Jenni Hermoso during the ceremony, which has led to allegations of sexual assault. Prosecutors have presented their case for potential criminal charges to Spain's National Court in Madrid, following Hermoso's formal accusation against Rubiales.
In the lawsuit filed on September 8th, a Spanish prosecutor has raised the possibility of a coercion charge against Luis Rubiales. The prosecutor, Martha Durantez Gil, alleges that Rubiales engaged in coercive behavior by pressuring Hermoso to defend him immediately after the controversy surrounding his actions.
Rubiales has consistently claimed that the kiss was consensual, a claim that Hermoso and her players' union have denied.
Martha Durantez Gil has requested that a judge order Rubiales to appear in court for preliminary testimony. If the National Court judge agrees to hear the case, it could lead to a formal court investigation, ultimately resulting in a recommendation to either dismiss the case or proceed to trial.
Under a sexual consent law enacted last year, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence ranging from one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault. This law removed the distinction between "sexual harassment" and "sexual assault," penalizing any non-consensual sexual act.
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Aside from the potential criminal trial, Rubiales faces other repercussions. FIFA suspended him from his position on August 27th, a day after he refused to step down. During a defiant speech at the general assembly of his federation, he claimed to be the victim of a "witch hunt" by "false feminists." FIFA's disciplinary judges are reviewing his case, and sanctions can range from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport.
Additionally, the Spanish government is taking action. A government legal panel overseeing sports is investigating whether Rubiales abused his authority by kissing Hermoso and whether his conduct has tarnished Spain's image. If found unfit, he could be barred from holding his position for up to two years.
