Topline Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso filed a complaint on Tuesday accusing Spanish Football Federation chief Luis Rubiales of sexual assault, according to multiple reports, after Hermoso said Rubiales kissed her “without any consent” following Spain’s World Cup win last month.
Hermoso—who was kissed by Spanish Football Federation Chief Luis Rubiales—has previously said she … [+] was kissed “without any consent.”
Getty Images Key Facts Hermoso filed the complaint against Rubiales—who has denied the allegations—on Tuesday to the Prosecutor’s Office of Spain’s National Court, according to the Associated Press.
Prosecutor Marta Durántez said Hermoso’s complaint—which was given through in-person testimony by Hermoso—will be presented to Spain’s National Court “as soon as possible,” according to Reuters.
The complaint could potentially lead to charges against Rubiales, who is also facing an investigation by Spain’s Administrative Sports Court and a suspension by FIFA.
Durántez noted that Spanish prosecutors had opened an investigation into Rubiales over possible sexual assault charges on August 28, adding they would contact Hermoso within two weeks to “inform her of her rights as a victim of an alleged crime of sexual aggression,” according to CNN.
Crucial Quote Hormoso—who added she “did not like this incident”—said in a statement last month that she felt “vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part.”
Key Background Hermoso kissed Hermoso following Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup last month. Hermoso—who said she was under “continuous pressure” to justify the incident—later indicated the kiss was not consensual. Rubiales—who suggested the incident was “natural and normal”—apologized for the kiss in a video and said he would “take more care” when representing the Spanish Football Federation, though he also said criticism of the incident was “idiotic.” Rubiales claimed the incident was consensual in an emergency meeting with the federation, according to the Associated Press, suggesting he was the victim of a witch hunt by “false feminists” after reports indicated he would resign.
Surprising Fact The independent Administrative Sports Court determined the incident between Hermoso and Rubiales was “serious” as opposed to “very serious” earlier this month. A “very serious” ruling would have enabled the Spanish government to suspend Rubiales. The decision provoked Spanish government officials to request a separate temporary suspension for Rubiales, which will move through the same court.
Tangent Hermoso has received widespread support from both her team and the Spanish men’s national football team. Her World Cup-winning team indicated it wouldn’t play further matches until Rubiales was removed from the federation. The Spanish men’s team captains condemned Rubiales nearly two weeks after the incident and said Rubiales’ “unacceptable behavior” had “tarnished” the World Cup victory.
Further Reading Spain Women’s Soccer Team Will Refuse to Play Until Soccer Chief Resigns For Kissing Player (Forbes)
Spanish Soccer Chief Won’t Resign After Kissing Player—Attacks ‘False Feminists’ (Forbes)
Spanish Soccer Head Apologizes For Kissing Player After World Cup Win (Forbes)