Spanish prosecutor files complaint against Luis Rubiales over ‘unsolicited kiss’ at Women’s World Cup
The Spanish prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against the Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion.
Marta Durantez Gil’s decision comes after Jenni Hermoso filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office on Wednesday.
With the complaint, Rubiales could face criminal charges, in addition to the ongoing inquiry by Spain‘s top sport court for “serious misconduct” and an investigation by FIFA, which has provisionally suspended him.
It is up to the court to present formal charges. A sexual assault charge carries a prison term of between one and four years in Spain.
Hermosa has accused Rubiales of sexual assault after he grabbed her head and kissed her on the lips following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England last month at the Women’s World Cup.
The footballer has repeatedly said the kiss was not consensual, but a defiant Rubiales has refused to resign, saying it was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual”.
The player has also said she and her family were pressured by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) to show support for Rubiales in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
The controversy has overshadowed Spain’s historic win – and led to the sacking of the team’s head coach Jorge Vilda, who was seen applauding Rubiales during the speech in which he refused to step down.
Rubiales was suspended by FIFA on 27 August after he claimed he was the victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.”
In the wake of calls for his resignation, the 46-year-old issued a fresh defence in which he admitted he made “some obvious mistakes” that he sincerely regrets, but claimed there was no aggression or discomfort when the kiss occurred.
“There was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both,” he said.
“The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm.
“I repeat – with the consent of both parties, both in the affectionate hugs, as well as in the peak and subsequent farewell full of affectionate mutual gestures, that occurred on the medals delivery stage.”
Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward, plays for Mexican club Pachuca.
She has also played for a number of top Spanish and European clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid.