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Rabat – Former president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault and coercion following the kiss incident at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Spanish state prosecutors have officially accused Rubiales of misconduct for allegedly nonconsensually kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the tournament’s awards ceremony, which followed Spain’s victory over England in Australia last month, France 24 reported today.
According to the Spanish prosecutors’ office, Rubiales is now under investigation for what Hermoso described as a “non-consensual” act that left her feeling “vulnerable.”
The Spanish player, who has been vocal about the ordeal, released a statement in August asserting that the kiss was unsolicited, adding that she felt she was the victim of “aggression, an impulsive, sexist act,” according to ESPN.
Under a new sexual consent law passed just last year in Spain, Rubiales could potentially face a fine or a prison sentence ranging from one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault.
The law, referred to as the “only yes means yes law,” eliminates the previous distinction between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault,” criminalizing any unconsented sexual act.
The situation has taken another troubling turn as prosecutors suggested that Rubiales may have also engaged in coercion, as according to Hermoso, he pressured her to defend him immediately after the controversy blew up.
Read also: Spanish Women’s Team Coach Sacked After World Cup Kiss Controversy
Rubiales, on the other hand, is adamant that the kiss was consensual, a claim that Hermoso and her players’ union have strongly denied.
In light of these accusations, prosecutors have formally requested that Rubiales appear before a court to provide preliminary testimony. Should the National Court judge decide to proceed, a thorough investigation will ensue, ultimately leading to a recommendation for the case to either be dismissed or proceed to trial.
The incident ignited a firestorm of controversy as it occurred, and many demanded that Rubiales step out from his position as the president of the Spanish Football Federation.
In response, Rubiales held a press conference where he adamantly refused to resign and vigorously defended his actions.
In addition, he criticized what he termed “false feminism.” Addressing players of the Spanish women’s team, he said “Daughters, learn it, it is a life lesson … You are real feminists, not the false feminism that is out there.”
Shortly after, FIFA announced the provisional suspension of Rubiales from all football-related activities.
Later on, the federation acknowledged and apologized for the “inappropriate conduct” exhibited by Rubiales at the global tournament, in a statement issued by its interim President Pedro Rocha.
