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The Spanish prosecutor has filed a complaint against FA president Luis Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion over his Women's World Cup final kiss.
Rubiales, who was suspended by FIFA in the aftermath of his actions, could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty.
Prosecutors presented a case against the 46-year-old to the National Court in Madrid after Spain striker Jenni Hermoso, 33, made a legal complaint earlier this week.
They added on Friday (September 8) that he could have committed an act of coercion by pressuring Hermoso to speak out in his defence.
READ MORE: Sacked Spain Women's boss Jorge Vilda slams 'unfair' dismissal after World Cup triumph
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Rubiales has been asked to appear before a court to give preliminary testimony. A National Court judge will then decide whether to present formal charges.
He kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain beat England 1-0 to win the Women’s World Cup last month. She claims it was not consensual, while he argues the opposite – saying it was "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual".
Rubiales faced heavy backlash in the following days, but he's flatly refused to step down as Spanish football federation (RFEF) president – a role he's held since 2018.
A new sexual consent law was passed in Spain last year eliminating the difference between "sexual harassment” and “sexual assault", sanctioning any unconsented sexual act.
As well as the possibility of facing criminal charges, Rubiales is the subject of an ongoing inquiry by Spain's top sport court for "serious misconduct" and the investigation by football's world governing body FIFA.
The saga has sadly overshadowed Spain's first-ever Women's World Cup triumph. Their head coach Jorge Vilda, himself a very controversial figure, was sacked having been seen applauding Rubiales in his defiant speech defending his actions.
Rubiales suggested he was the victim of a "witch hunt" by "false feminists", also claiming "a social assassination is taking place".
- Breaking News
- Women’s World Cup
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