Title: Spanish Soccer Federation President Faces Official Complaint for Sexual Assault and Coercion
Date: [Current Date]
The suspended president of Spain’s Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, is facing a formal complaint filed by the Spanish prosecutor’s office. The complaint alleges Rubiales’s involvement in the crimes of sexual assault and coercion against soccer player Jennifer Hermoso.
According to a press release issued by the prosecutor’s office, the complaint stems from an unwanted kiss that Rubiales allegedly gave Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup final. The incident prompted Hermoso to file an official complaint with prosecutors, leading to this recent development.
The complaint filed by the prosecutor’s office allows Spain’s national court to initiate a formal investigation into Rubiales. The court will gather evidence related to the allegations, which could potentially result in charges against the suspended RFEF president. In a press release, the prosecutor’s office stated that Hermoso appeared before the prosecutor on September 5, accompanied by her lawyer, and explicitly made a complaint stating that the events occurred without her consent.
Hermoso’s statement also included references to constant pressure that she and people close to her faced from Rubiales and his professional environment. The prosecutor considers this behavior as potential coercion, which could constitute a crime.
In response to the allegations, Rubiales has apologized and described the kiss as “mutual.” However, Hermoso denied Rubiales’s claim, asserting that her boundaries were not respected.
The unwanted kiss has sparked significant turmoil within Spanish soccer, with the government calling for Rubiales’s resignation. As a result, the RFEF has removed World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda from his position. He has been replaced by Montse Tomé, becoming the first woman in Spanish national team history to hold the position.
In addition, over 80 Spanish soccer players have signed a statement in support of Hermoso. They have expressed their unwillingness to return to the national team if the current leaders remain in their roles.
The public outcry against the unwanted kiss has extended beyond the soccer community, with politicians and sports stars also condemning Rubiales’s behavior. Spain basketball legend Pau Gasol criticized Rubiales during a press conference at the FIBA World Cup. Gasol stated his disappointment and emphasized that such behavior should not be tolerated or accepted.
As this case progresses, the Spanish national court will gather further information from Australian authorities regarding the classification of crimes against sexual freedom in their criminal regulations.
CNN has reached out to the RFEF for comment on Rubiales’s legal defense. However, the federation has indicated a lack of details in this regard, stating that Rubiales cannot utilize RFEF legal resources during his suspension from all football-related activities for 90 days, imposed by FIFA, the world governing body.
The investigation into Luis Rubiales represents a significant challenge that Spain’s soccer federation and legal system must navigate, highlighting the importance of addressing allegations of sexual assault and coercion within the sports industry.