Spanish prosecutors open preliminary investigation into Luis Rubiales over Jenni Hermoso kiss
Spanish prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup final. According to the BBC, the prosecutors are looking into whether the incident involving the Spanish FA president amounts to a crime of sexual assault.
Rubiales was pictured grabbing Hermoso and kissing the player on the lips during Spain’s celebrations after beating England in the World Cup final. His actions have been widely condemned with Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez describing the incident as ‘unacceptable’.
Jenni Hermoso Claims Kiss Was Not Consensual
Hermoso says that the kiss was not consensual and has confirmed that she will not play for Spain again until Rubiales has been sacked, while her international team-mates have joined her in solidarity.
RFEF chief Rubiales, 46, still remains in his post despite being provisionally suspended by FIFA.
Rubiales Refuses to Resign
An emergency assembly was called last Friday in which Rubiales was expected to resign, but instead he gave an astonishing speech in which he hit out at his critics and insisted he would not leave.
The RFEF later revealed they would be taking legal action against Hermoso and accused her of ‘lying’ about her version of events, even presenting images they claimed showed she had instigated the interaction and lifted the federation president off his feet.
UEFA Rejects RFEF Request
Meanwhile, UEFA has rejected a request from the RFEF to have itself suspended by European football’s governing body. RFEF complained to UEFA that the Spanish government was interfering in the running of its affairs.
But those complaints have been dismissed by UEFA and Spain’s top criminal court have now launched their preliminary probe into Rubiales’ actions.
“Given the public statements made by Jennifer Hermoso, the sexual act she was subjected to by Luis Rubiales was not consensual,” a statement said. Legal experts will also contact the player ‘to offer her the option of legal action, giving her the chance to contact National Court prosecutors within 15 days for information about her rights as a victim of an alleged sexual assault should she wish to file a complaint’.
Luis Rubiales’ Mother Goes on Hunger Strike
The actions of the Spanish FA president have been widely condemned and even Luis Rubiales’ mother has gone on hunger strike until her son is cleared, according to reports in Spain.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen what will come of this investigation and whether Rubiales will face any consequences for his actions. In the meantime, Hermoso and her international team-mates are standing firm in their demand that Rubiales be removed from his post.