Spanish Soccer Player Jenni Hermoso Accuses Luis Rubiales Of Sexual Assault For World Cup Kiss

MADRID, Spain — According to the country’s prosecutors’ office, a Spanish soccer player, Jenni Hermoso, accused Luis Rubiales of sexual assault for kissing her on the lips without her consent after the Women’s World Cup final.

Rubiales, the now-suspended president of the Spanish football federation, kissed Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony on August 20 in Sydney, Australia, after Spain defeated England to win the title.

Rubiales has stated that the kiss was mutual. Hermoso and her players’ union have both refuted this in statements. She also claimed that the federation pressured her and her family to show their support for Rubiales in the early aftermath of the incident caused by the kiss that marred her team’s victory.

According to the prosecutors’ office in Madrid, if proven guilty, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years under a sexual consent statute passed last year. The new law abolished the distinction between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault,” making any unconsented sexual behavior legal.

The Spanish government, players’ unions, players, and many citizens have all backed Hermoso. Meanwhile, Rubiales has become a football outcast despite his refusal to retire.

FIFA suspended Rubiales on August 27, a day after he refused to resign during a belligerent speech to his federation’s general congress, in which he claimed he was the victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.” Rubiales was suspended for 90 days while the body’s disciplinary judges considered his case. Individuals might face consequences ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport.

Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso, accused Luis Rubiales of sexual assault for kissing her on the lips without her consent after the Women’s World Cup final.

Rubiales, 46, is also facing legal action from the Spanish government. A government legal commission regulating sports has launched an investigation to investigate whether he abused his authority by kissing Hermoso or tarnished Spain’s image with his actions. He might be removed from his position for up to two years if declared unfit.

He could face a no-confidence vote from the federation, which has yet to take action despite urging him to go.

However, Hermoso’s judgment constitutes the most significant challenge to Rubiales thus far because it could result in a criminal case.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Hermoso claimed on Tuesday. Prosecutors stated last week that they would meet with Hermoso to allow her to present an accusation against Rubiales. Rubiales considers Interim Federation President Pedro Rocha to be an ally.

Rubiales said in his statement to the federation legislature on August 26 that the kiss was “mutual” and similar to one “I could give one of my daughters.”

Hermoso stated that it was a falsehood.

Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso, accused Luis Rubiales of sexual assault for kissing her on the lips without her consent after the Women’s World Cup final.

“I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part,” Hermoso stated in a social media message. “Simply put, I was not respected.”

Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward, now plays for Pachuca in Mexico after a long career with prominent Spanish and European clubs such as Barcelona, PSG, and Atletico Madrid.

Rubiales’ behavior in the final, which included a crude crotch grab near dignitaries such as Spain’s queen and a juvenile princess and his contentious statement have shattered Spanish football.

On Tuesday, the federation fired Jorge Vilda, the coach of Spain’s Women’s World Cup-winning squad. Despite leading the club to victory, Vilda was disliked among the team’s players and was close to Rubiales. 15 players told him a year ago that they would only play for him if he developed a more professional work atmosphere.

After Rubiales refused to step down last week and accused Hermoso of lying, the whole World Cup team and dozens of other players vowed they would not play for Spain again unless the president were removed.

Spain’s men’s national team has also suffered. Coach Luis de la Fuente had to apologize for applauding Rubiales’ sexist speech to the general assembly. In a statement, his teammates also denounced Rubiales’ behavior.

So far, there is no sign that the female players would return to the team, even once Vilda is removed.

Spain’s left-wing government and female soccer players hope the backlash against Rubiales will force a reckoning with sexism in the sport.

SOURCE – (AP)