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Rabat – Disgraced former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales is set to stand trial for the non-consensual kiss incident at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
A statement from the Spanish high court said that the trial, to be held at the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid, is yet to be scheduled. The prosecution is seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, with one year for sexual assault and 18 months for coercion.
Rubiales is facing allegations of non-consensually kissing Spanish national team player Jennifer Hermoso as well as subsequent coercion.
The incident in question took place on August 20, 2023, when Rubiales allegedly forcibly kissed Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony following Spain’s World Cup win in Sydney. The court said that Rubiales is also accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly declare that the kiss was consensual.
In addition, Rubiales may face two years of probation and a €50,000 compensation payment to the player.
Former La Roja women’s coach Jorge Vilda and two former federation officials are also implicated in the case and will face trial for alleged coercion of Hermoso.
Rubiales’s actions ignited a firestorm of controversy, with the unsolicited kiss during the medal ceremony drawing global condemnation.
The former RFEF chief, who is also under investigation in a separate corruption case involving his tenure at the federation, has denied any wrongdoing.
However, Hermoso came forward to assert that the kiss was unsolicited. She described it as a “non-consensual” situation that left her feeling “vulnerable” and a victim of an “impulsive, sexist act.”
The player also said that Rubiales pressured her to defend him immediately after the controversy blew up.
The court has requested Rubiales to post bail of €65,000 within 24 hours to cover potential civil liabilities.
