MADRID (AP) — Former Spanish soccer president after desecrating his country's Women's World Cup victory Luis Rubiales He will stand trial for kissing forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the final.
Investigative judge Francisco de Jorge ruled Thursday that Rubiales' kiss was “non-consensual, unilateral and done in a surprising manner,” the court said.
Jenni Hermoso says she “didn't enjoy” the kiss from Spanish football president Luis Rubiales, who apologized to “those who felt hurt”.
pic.twitter.com/ZaqZhuQtIO— Eric Njiiru (@EricNjiiru) August 21, 2023
State prosecutors have accused Mr. Rubiales of sexual assault and of trying to coerce Mr. Hermoso into public support over public backlash.
In addition to Mr. Rubiales, the judge also found that former Spain national team coach Jorge Vilda, Spanish men's team sporting director Alberto Luque, and Rubén Rivera, the federation's former marketing director, told Hermoso that Mr. Rubiales The court ruled that Hermoso should be tried on charges of pressuring him to defend himself, but Hermoso refused. .
A court date will be set.
Hermoso testified before a trial judge this month. The 33-year-old forward is Spain's all-time leading scorer in the Mexican League and enjoys wide support in the country.Kissing scandal many hope will spur a reckoning Sexism in Spanish sport.
If convicted, Rubiales could face a fine or one to four years in prison under the Sexual Consent Law passed in 2022, Madrid's public prosecutor's office said.of new law The distinction between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault” was abolished, and sexual acts without consent were sanctioned.
Rubiales, 46, also appeared near Queen Letizia and Princess Sofia of Spain, grabbing their crotches in a sneaky gesture of victory. Spanish victorywhich quickly became a national embarrassment.
FIFA decision:
Let's wait for the perfect moment to restore justice and justice 💪
Politicians who monitor politics, media, systems, unfair treatment and illegal acts✅
La Gente, Muy Mayoritaliamente, Lo Tien Claro pic.twitter.com/3z7hKMDw2R— Luis Rubiales (@LuisRubiales17) October 30, 2023
Hermoso and his teammates refused to continue playing as long as he was manager. Came back Just a few weeks later, the government brokered an agreement with the federation's interim president that saw an overhaul of the bylaws and increased support for women's teams. This included removing the term “women's” from the official team name.
The judge found enough evidence to believe that Mr. Rubiales unsuccessfully pressured Mr. Hermoso to appear in a video he produced and released amidst the growing public uproar against him. The judge said there was reason to believe that Mr. Wilda had similarly pressured Mr. Hermoso's brother. The judge said Luque and marketing director Rivera were also involved in an alleged attempt to coerce her into supporting her disgraced boss.
FIFA suspends Rubiales. 3 years Until after the 2026 Men's World Cup. Her suspension will expire by the next women's tournament in 2027. Spain's sports authorities also ruled that the player was unsuitable for a three-year sports management position.
