The Spanish prosecutor has filed a charge against FA president Luis Rubiales, accusing him of sexual assault and coercion in connection with the iconic kiss at the Women’s World Cup final. Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA, and if proven guilty, he may face a fine or a one to four-year jail sentence.
The action was brought by Spain striker Jenni Hermoso, 33, who claims Rubiales pushed her to endorse his version of events, which may be considered coercion. Rubiales was summoned for preliminary testimony, and a judge will decide if formal charges will be filed. After Spain’s victory against England, Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips, prompting different claims of its consensuality.
Despite widespread criticism, Rubiales has refused to retire as head of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). The new sexual consent statute in Spain, which eliminates the difference between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault,” may come into play.
In addition to potential criminal penalties, Rubiales is being investigated by Spain’s highest sports court for “serious misconduct” and by FIFA. Unfortunately, this scandal has overshadowed Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph, with even the resignation of their head coach, Jorge Vilda, who praised Rubiales during his bold speech, adding to the uproar. Rubiales claims to be the victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists,” which he describes as a “social assassination.”
