image source, Maja Hitij – FIFA / Contributor
- author, Zahra Fatima
- role, bbc news
Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Federation, will go on trial on charges of sexual assault over an unsolicited kiss he gave to women’s World Cup player Jenni Hermoso.
The kiss, which Hermoso described as “unwanted”, occurred during last year’s World Cup match against England (1-0) and made global headlines.
Rubiales was forced to resign, but denies any wrongdoing.
A Spanish High Court judge said Wednesday that Rubiales also faces one count of extortion.
The scandal cast a shadow over a historic moment for the Spanish women’s team, which at the time was celebrating its first World Cup victory on August 20, 2023.
During the trophy ceremony, Mr. Rubiales put Mr. Hermoso’s head between his hands and kissed him on the lips.
The footage was broadcast to billions of people around the world and sparked an intense backlash in Spain and a nationwide sexism debate.
Rubiales, 46, strongly denies any wrongdoing, saying the kiss was consensual and that he was the victim of “social assassination”.
But Hermoso and his teammates insisted it was an unwanted and humiliating act.
Mr. Rubiales is charged with one count of sexual assault, which carries a sentence of one year in prison.
He will also stand trial on charges of coercion, along with former women’s national team coach Jorge Virda, the team’s current sporting director Alberto Luque and the federation’s marketing director Ruben Rivera.
All four have denied wrongdoing, but it is suspected that they tried to pressure Hermoso into believing the kiss was consensual.
If convicted, they each could 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.
According to AFP, the court set bail of 65,000 euros (50,000 euros) to be paid within 24 hours to cover “any civil liability that may be ordered to be paid” for Rubiales’ alleged sexual assault. 5,900 pounds).
In addition, Mr. Rubiales, Mr. Bilda, Mr. Luque and Mr. Riveria will be held jointly on bail of 65,000 euros for the extortion charge.