Spanish Prosecutor Files Complaint Against Rubiales

A Spanish prosecutor has filed a legal complaint with its high court against suspended football federation president Luis Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion.

Rubiales kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England, which she says was not consensual.

This comes after Hermoso filed a complaint with the prosecutor’s office on Wednesday.

Hermoso’s complaint was one of sexual assault but prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil has also added a charge of coercion when filing to the high court.

With the complaint, the 46 year old could face criminal charges, in addition to the ongoing inquiry by Spain’s top sport court for “serious misconduct” and an investigation by FIFA, which has provisionally suspended him.

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According to a sexual consent law passed last year, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault.

A statement from the prosecutor’s office said Hermoso told Gil that her relatives had suffered pressure from the suspended Spanish FA president and his “professional entourage” to justify and approved what happened.

Rubiales, has so far refused to resign despite heavy pressure, saying the kiss was “spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual”.

Football’s world governing body Fifa provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days and opened disciplinary proceedings against him.

While world Cup-winning manager Jorge Vila was sack on 5th September amid the ongoing scandal.

Politicians, footballers and celebrities have spoken out against Rubiales, while protesters gathered at the RFEF headquarters to demand his resignation. 

BBC Sports