Legal Complaint Filed Over World Cup Final Kiss – Luis Rubiales Faces Criminal Charges
In a dramatic turn of events, Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso has filed a legal complaint against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, following a controversial kiss that took place after Spain’s Women’s World Cup final victory. The kiss, which Rubiales claims was “mutual and consensual,” has raised serious concerns about consent and personal boundaries.
Disputed Kiss Leads to Legal Battle
Hermoso’s legal complaint challenges Rubiales’ assertion that the kiss was consensual. The controversial incident occurred after Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win, leaving Hermoso uncomfortable and aggrieved. The legal dispute has resulted in Rubiales being provisionally suspended by Fifa, and he may now face criminal charges as a consequence.
Spanish prosecutors initiated a preliminary investigation into the matter on 29 August, exploring whether the incident qualifies as a sexual assault. The decision to investigate was based on the “unequivocal nature” of Hermoso’s statements, as authorities sought to determine the legal implications of the event. Legal experts will offer Hermoso guidance on her rights and the possibility of filing a formal complaint.
Jennifer Hermoso formally filed her complaint on Tuesday, advancing the legal battle between her and Rubiales. The move places Rubiales in a precarious legal situation, with potential criminal charges looming over him.
Rubiales, who faced public scrutiny for his behavior during Spain’s celebrations, including a controversial crotch-grabbing gesture, has steadfastly refused to resign from his position. His actions have divided opinion, and public sentiment regarding his tenure remains strained.
Sports Tribunal Opens Misconduct Case
Spain’s national sports tribunal (TAD) has initiated a misconduct case against Rubiales, categorizing his actions as a “serious offense” related to the kiss with Hermoso. However, the tribunal did not escalate the situation to a “very serious offense,” a decision that the government had sought, and one that would have resulted in Rubiales’ suspension from his role.
The controversy surrounding Rubiales has had a ripple effect within the Spanish national team. A significant number of players, including all 23 World Cup winners, have declared their unwillingness to represent the team while Rubiales remains in charge. This threatens Spain’s upcoming Uefa Nations League qualifying matches scheduled for later this month.
Adding to the turmoil, Spain’s World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda, a close associate of Rubiales, was dismissed on Tuesday. Montse Tome has been appointed as his successor. The Spanish men’s team has also criticized Rubiales for his “unacceptable behavior.”
The legal process surrounding this case remains ongoing, and Dani Carvajal, a Spain and Real Madrid defender, has emphasized the importance of respecting the presumption of innocence for all parties involved. He urged support for both Jenni Hermoso and Luis Rubiales during this challenging time and emphasized that the legal authorities will ultimately determine the outcome of the case.
