September 6, (THEWILL) – Spanish women’s football star, Jenni Hermoso, has filed a criminal complaint against the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, over an unwanted kiss following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory in August.
The national prosecutor’s office confirmed on Wednesday, that Hermoso submitted testimony the day before, regarding the incident, which occurred during the medal ceremony in Sydney after Spain defeated England 1-0. The complaint will now be handled by prosecutors “as soon as possible”.
The filing of a criminal complaint means Rubiales could face charges on top of an ongoing inquiry by Spain’s top sports court into his conduct during the ceremony, when he grabbed Hermoso and kissed her on the lips without consent. Rubiales is also being investigated by FIFA, who have provisionally suspended him from his position for 90 days.
Neither Hermoso nor Rubiales have commented publicly since the complaint was made. Rubiales previously maintained the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso said she felt “vulnerable and a victim of an aggression”. His behaviour has provoked outrage both in Spain and internationally.
In a controversial radio interview, Spanish men’s team captain Dani Carvajal argued people should not take sides until the legal process concludes. He later tried to clarify he meant both Hermoso and Rubiales deserve support. The women’s team coach Jorge Vilda, an ally of Rubiales, was dismissed this week and replaced by Montse Tome, the first woman to manage the side.
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.
