Jenni Hermoso, the Spanish soccer star kissed by the president of the Spanish soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, without her consent after winning the Women’s World Cup in 2019, has filed a legal complaint against him for sexual assault, according to the Spanish prosecutor’s office.
The complaint comes more than four years after the incident, which sparked outrage and controversy in Spain and worldwide. Rubiales kissed Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain beat England 1-0 in the final on July 7, 2019, in Sydney, Australia. He also grabbed his crotch while celebrating with the team and other dignitaries, including Spain’s queen and teenage princess
Rubiales has claimed that the kiss was consensual and that he was a victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.” He has refused to resign as the head of the federation despite being suspended by FIFA and facing widespread criticism from the government, players’ unions, players, and fans.
On the other hand, Hermoso denied that she consented to the kiss and said that she felt “vulnerable and a victim of aggression.” She also said that the federation pressured her and her family to show their support for Rubiales in the scandal’s aftermath.
Hermoso, now 33 years old and plays for the Mexican club Pachuca, was accused on Tuesday, September 6, 2023, after being invited by the prosecutors to file a formal complaint. The prosecutor’s office said that her testimony would be processed “as soon as possible.”
Under a recently passed sexual consent law in Spain, Rubiales could face a fine or between one and four years in prison if found guilty of sexual assault.
The kiss has had a lasting impact on Spanish soccer, especially on the women’s national team, which won its first World Cup title in 2019. The team’s coach, Jorge Vilda, who initially supported Rubiales, was fired by the interim federation president, Pedro Rocha, on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, after losing the support of most of his players and staff. Montse Tomé, the first female coach of the team, replaced him.
The team has also faced difficulties securing matches and sponsors since the scandal. Many players have expressed their solidarity with Hermoso and their dissatisfaction with Rubiales. Some have even refused to play for the national team until Rubiales dies.
Hermoso’s legal action has been welcomed by many supporters of women’s rights and soccer fans who hope it will bring justice and change to Spanish soccer.
Originally posted 2023-09-06 18:04:13.
