Former Spanish Soccer Chief Luis Rubiales Given Restraining Order After Kissing Jenni Hermoso

The High Court in Spain has issued a restraining order to prevent former soccer chief Luis Rubiales from approaching Jenni Hermoso, after he appeared in court to be investigated for sexual assault for kissing her on the lips.

The incident occurred at the medal ceremony after Spain’s women’s team won the World Cup last month, and has sparked a huge outcry over sexism in Spanish sport and society, prompting protests similar to the ‘Me Too’ movement.

The Incident

Rubiales, 46, insists the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso says it was forced on her. The order prevents Rubiales trying to contact Hermoso or coming within 200 metres of her, according to a court statement. Judge Francisco de Jorge rejected a request by the prosecution that Rubiales should report to the court every two weeks.

During the testimony, Rubiales denied the accusations, according to a statement by the prosecutor’s office. After weeks of resisting calls from players, politicians and women’s groups to step down as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rubiales finally quit on Sept. 10.

The Aftermath

But he remains unrepentant, saying he acted with consent in a moment of celebration and joy. After Hermoso told prosecutors that Rubiales kissed her on the mouth without her consent while holding her head with both hands – a moment seen by millions on television – state prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil filed a judicial complaint.

She added a possible crime of coercion after Hermoso said she and her relatives had been put under pressure by Rubiales and his entourage to say that she had approved what happened.

Local media reported that female players, including the World Cup-wining squad, planned to continue their boycott of the national side until there were further changes in the federation set-up.

Conclusion

The incident has sparked a huge outcry over sexism in Spanish sport and society, prompting protests similar to the ‘Me Too’ movement. The restraining order is a step in the right direction, but it is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

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