Former Spanish football federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales is set to stand trial for an incident involving a forcible kiss on the lips of Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso. The trial, as decided by a Spanish high court judge, will focus on Rubiales allegedly kissing Hermoso without her consent after Spain won the World Cup in Sydney on August 20, 2023. The court also highlighted accusations of Rubiales coercing Hermoso to publicly claim that the kiss was consensual.
The trial is scheduled to take place at the Audiencia Nacional, a Madrid court specializing in complex cases, at a date that is yet to be determined. The court documents specify that the public prosecution is seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales – one year for sexual assault and 18 months for coercion. Additionally, the prosecution is requesting a two-year probation period after serving the sentence and a compensation payment of 50,000 euros ($54,000) to the player.
Judge Francisco de Jorge has instructed Rubiales to provide bail of 65,000 euros ($70,000) within 24 hours to cover any potential civil liabilities that may arise. Furthermore, the judge confirmed that former La Roja women’s coach Jorge Vilda and two former federation officials will also face trial for their alleged involvement in coercing Hermoso.
The 46-year-old Rubiales sparked global outrage by kissing Hermoso without her consent during the medal ceremony following Spain’s victory over England in the World Cup held in Australia. Notably, Rubiales is currently under investigation in another corruption case related to his tenure at the federation, although he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Trial scheduled for ex-RFEF chief accused of kissing World Cup winner
@Sportrend
