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Luis Rubiales has to stand trial for sexual assault after the World Cup kiss

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image source, Maja Hitij – FIFA / Contributors

image description, FA boss Luis Rubiales has previously admitted making a mistake but has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing

  • Author, Zahra Fatima
  • Role, BBC News

Former Spanish Football Federation boss Luis Rubiales will stand trial on sexual assault charges over his unsolicited kiss with Women’s World Cup player Jenni Hermoso.

The kiss, which Ms Hermoso described as “unwanted”, occurred during last year’s 1-0 World Cup win against England and made headlines around the world.

Mr. Rubiales was forced to resign but denied any wrongdoing.

A Spanish Supreme Court judge said on Wednesday that Mr. Rubiales also faces coercion charges.

The scandal overshadowed a historic moment for the Spanish women’s team, which celebrated its first ever World Cup victory on August 20, 2023.

During the trophy presentation, Mr. Rubiales clasped Ms. Hermoso’s head in his hands and planted a kiss on her lips.

It was broadcast to billions of people worldwide and sparked intense backlash and a nationwide sexism debate in Spain.

Mr. Rubiales, 46, strenuously denied wrongdoing, saying the kiss was consensual and that he was the victim of a “social assassination.”

However, Ms Hermoso and her teammates claimed this was unwanted and demeaning.

Mr. Rubiales faces one count of sexual assault, which carries a sentence of one year in prison.

He is also charged with coercion alongside the former coach of the women’s national team, Jorge Vilda, the team’s current sports director, Albert Luque, and the association’s marketing director, Ruben Rivera.

All four men, who have denied wrongdoing, are accused of trying to pressure Ms. Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual.

If convicted, they each face up to 18 months in prison.

The trial will take place at the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid. The date has not yet been confirmed.

The court set bail at €65,000 (£55,900) for Mr Rubiales to pay the sexual assault charge within 24 hours to “cover any civil liabilities he may be ordered to pay”. reported AFP News.

A further bail of 65,000 euros is to be deposited jointly by Mr. Rubiales, Mr. Vilda, Mr. Luque and Mr. Riveria for coercion.

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