Spanish prosecutor files lawsuit against Luis Rubiales

A Spanish prosecutor has filed a lawsuit against suspended President of the Spanish FA, Luis Rubiales over the kissing incident which occurred after the Women’s World Cup final. 

Recall that Rubiales, the now-suspended president of the Spanish soccer federation, kissed Jenni Hermoso during the awards ceremony after Spain beat England to win the title on 20 August in Sydney. Prosecutors presented their case for potential criminal charges against Rubiales to Spain’s National Court in Madrid two days after Hermoso formally accused him of sexual assault.

In a lawsuit filed on Friday, September 8, by a Spanish prosecutor against Luis Rubiales, the court was asked to consider a possible charge of coercion.

The prosecutor, Martha Durantez Gil is alleging that Rubiales committed an act of coercion when he pressured Hermoso to speak out in his defense immediately after the scandal erupted regarding his behavior.

Rubiales has insisted the kiss was consensual. Hermoso has denied that in statements issued by her and her players’ union.

Gil has asked a judge to issue an order for Rubiales to appear before a court to give preliminary testimony. If the National Court judge agrees the hear the case, it would lead to a formal court investigation that will end with a recommendation for the case to either be dismissed or go to trial.

According to a sexual consent law passed last year, the suspended Spanish FA President could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault.

The new law eliminated the difference between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault,” sanctioning any non-consensual sexual act.

The 46-year-old Rubiales faces other threats other than a possible criminal trial. He was suspended from his post by FIFA on August 27, a day after he refused to step down when he delivered a defiant speech to the general assembly of his federation in which he said he was the victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.”

Rubiales was banned from his post for 90 days while FIFA disciplinary judges considered his case. Soccer’s governing body can impose sanctions on individuals ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport.

Rubiales also faces action from the Spanish government. A government legal panel overseeing sports has opened a probe to determine if he abused his authority by kissing Hermoso or tainted the image of Spain with his conduct. He faces being deemed unfit to hold his post for up to two years.