Former Spanish soccer president Luis Rubiales will face trial for kissing striker Jenni Hermoso without her consent at the Women’s World Cup, an investigating judge said on Thursday.
Judge Francisco de Jorge ruled that his investigation showed Rubiales’ kiss “was not consensual and was done unilaterally and in a shocking manner,” the court said.
State prosecutors have accused Rubiales of sexual assault and of allegedly forcing Hermoso to publicly support him in a public backlash against him.
Despite initially claiming she was the victim of a campaign led by “fake feminists,” Rubiales eventually resigned over her behavior during the World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney in August.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
The judge also ruled that along with Rubiales, former Spain coach Jorge Vilda, Spanish men’s team sporting director Albert Luque, and the federation’s former head of marketing should be tried for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to defend Rubiales, a step he refused to take.
Rubiales was suspended for three years from all football-related activities after kissing player Jenni Hermoso (seen above) on the lips, allegedly without consent, according to reports. REUTERS Spain defender #20 Rocio Galvez is congratulated by Rubiales (right) next to Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso after winning the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women’s World Cup final. AFP via Getty Images
Trial date to be determined.
Hermoso testified before an investigating judge in January.
The 33-year-old striker, Spain’s all-time top scorer who plays in the Mexican league, has been widely supported in the country.
Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso (L) goes after the crowd at the Audiencia Nacional stadium in Madrid on January 2, 2024. AFP via Getty Images
The kissing scandal has many hoping it will spur consideration of sexism in sport.
Based on the sexual consent law passed in 2022, Rubiales could be fined or sentenced to one to four years in prison if found guilty, according to the prosecutor’s office in Madrid.
The new law removes the distinction between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault”, which allows any non-consensual sexual act.
Judge Francisco de Jorge ruled that his investigation showed Rubiales’ kiss “was not consensual and was done unilaterally and in a shocking manner,” the court said. AFP via Getty Images
FIFA banned Rubiales for three years until after the 2026 men’s World Cup.
The ban will expire before the next women’s tournament in 2027.
Spanish sports authorities also ruled him ineligible to hold a position in sports management for three years.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
