Former head of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, is set to stand trial for sexual assault following an incident involving Women’s World Cup player Jenni Hermoso.
The incident occurred during Spain’s historic 1-0 World Cup victory against England last year when Rubiales kissed Hermoso without her consent during the trophy presentation ceremony, sparking global headlines and igniting a debate on sexism in Spain.
Rubiales, who was forced to resign in the aftermath of the scandal, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the kiss was consensual and characterizing himself as the victim of a “social assassination.”
However, Hermoso and her teammates maintain that the kiss was unwanted and demeaning, with Hermoso describing it as both “unexpected and at no time consensual.”
The Spanish High Court judge has ruled that Rubiales will face one charge of sexual assault and one charge of coercion. Additionally, Rubiales, along with former coach Jorge Vilda, current sporting director Albert Luque, and head of marketing Ruben Rivera, will be tried for coercion, accused of pressuring Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual.
If convicted, Rubiales and his co-defendants could face up to 18 months in jail. The trial will be held at the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid, with the date yet to be confirmed.
Rubiales has been ordered to pay a bail of €65,000 for the charge of sexual assault within 24 hours to cover any potential civil liabilities. Another €65,000 bail is to be posted jointly by Rubiales and his co-defendants for the coercion charges.