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

Theo

MAJADAHONDA, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales arrives at the Majadahonda Courthouse on April 29, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Rubiales returned on April 3 from the Dominican Republic, where he has been living for two months. Spanish police searched the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and a property belonging to Rubiales last month as part of a suspected corruption investigation. The operation is part of a wider investigation into alleged corruption in the investigation into the Super Cup deal with Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Luis Rubiales faces trial after kissing soccer player Jenni Hermoso. (Getty)

Former Spanish soccer coach Luis Rubiales faces sexual assault charges after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso after Spain won the Women’s World Cup final last year.

Rubiales, the former head of the Spanish Football Federation, kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s 1-0 win over England on August 20.

Star striker Hermoso claimed she did not consent to the kiss. A non-consensual kiss is considered sexual assault under international law.

The incident – which was seen by viewers around the world – sparked discussion about sexism in Spain. Rubiales, 46, who was forced to resign after the incident, has denied any wrongdoing.

He faces one count of sexual assault and, if convicted, could face one year in prison.

MAJADAHONDA, SPAIN – APRIL 29: Former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales leaves the Majadahonda courthouse on April 29, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Rubiales returned on April 3 from the Dominican Republic, where he has been living for two months. Spanish police searched the headquarters of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and a property belonging to Rubiales last month as part of a suspected corruption investigation. The operation is part of a wider investigation into alleged corruption in the investigation into the Super Cup deal with Saudi Arabia. (Photo by David Benito/Getty Images)
Luis Rubiales has to answer in court for the World Cup kiss. (David Benito/Getty)

He is also accused of coercion, as are former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, the team’s current sports director Albert Luque and the federation’s marketing director Ruben Rivera.

All four, who have denied wrongdoing, are accused of trying to pressure Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual. If convicted, they each face up to 18 months in prison.

The case will be heard at a yet-to-be-determined date before the Audiencia Nacional, a high court in Madrid.

The AFP news agency reported that the court had set bail at 65,000 euros (55,960 pounds) over Rubiales’ sexual assault allegation. A further deposit of 65,000 euros is to be paid jointly by Rubiales, Vilda, Luque and Rivera for coercion.

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