Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso has officially filed a criminal complaint against Luis Rubiales, the head of Spain’s football federation, accusing him of sexual misconduct. The incident occurred after Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final when Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips during an award ceremony. Rubiales has been suspended following the allegation but maintains that the kiss was consensual.
The Spanish prosecutors have confirmed that Hermoso’s charges have been pressed and the case will proceed as soon as possible. The country’s High Court had previously stated that Rubiales could face a sexual assault charge, which carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison. In addition to his suspension from FIFA, Rubiales is also facing an investigation for “serious misconduct” by Spain’s top sports court for the allegedly unsolicited kiss.
Hermoso described the incident as making her feel “vulnerable and like the victim of a sexual assault,” disputing Rubiales’ claim that the kiss was spontaneous and consensual. She stated that the act was impulsive and macho and happened without her consent.
Before Hermoso’s formal complaint, prosecutors had received six other complaints regarding the incident. With her case now filed, the court can proceed with criminal charges if they choose to pursue them. Since the alleged misconduct took place in Australia, the High Court would supervise any legal proceedings.
In response to the scandal, the vice-president of Spain’s football federation, Rafael del Amo, and 11 members of the Spanish female team’s coaching staff have resigned. Hermoso and her World Cup-winning teammates have also announced that they will not represent the national team until Rubiales steps down from his position. However, Rubiales has refused to resign thus far.
On Tuesday, the head coach of the Spanish women’s team, Jorge Vilda, who is a close ally of Rubiales, was dismissed from his position. The federation replaced him with Montse Tome, making her the first woman to manage the team. The federation did not provide an immediate explanation for the decision, but Vilda initially defended Rubiales against the sexual assault allegations, claiming he was the victim of a smear campaign by “false feminists.” He later apologized and changed his stance.
This incident has caused a significant upheaval within the Spanish football federation and the national women’s team. The allegations against Rubiales have led to suspensions, resignations, and a change in coaching staff. The outcome of the criminal complaint filed by Jenni Hermoso will determine the legal consequences for Rubiales and could have far-reaching implications for the future of Spanish women’s football.
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