March 27, (THEWILL) – A prosecutor in Spain is aggressively pursuing a two-and-a-half-year jail sentence for former Football Federation chief, Luis Rubiales. The charges relate to his unsolicited kiss of player Jenni Hermoso during the celebrations after Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory.
The court document, viewed by Reuters on Wednesday, accuses Rubiales of one count of sexual assault and one of coercion related to the kissing incident. These offences carry potential jail terms of one year and one-and-a-half years respectively. Prosecutor Marta Durantez is also seeking €50,000 in damages for Hermoso.
The fateful kiss occurred on August 20, 2023, as Rubiales grabbed and kissed Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony in Sydney. Hermoso and teammates condemned the act as unwelcome and demeaning, though Rubiales insisted it was consensual, denying any wrongdoing.
Further allegations assert that former women’s coach, Jorge Vilda; current director, Albert Luque, and marketing head, Ruben Rivera, coerced Hermoso into stating the kiss was consensual. All three have pleaded not guilty to these charges when appearing in court.
In addition to Hermoso’s damages claim, the prosecutor demands a joint €50,000 payment from Rubiales, Vilda, Luque and Rivera. While a conviction could technically suspend the sentence without prison time, the case has fuelled intense debate around accountability in Spanish football.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
