Jenni Hermoso files complaint over Luis Rubiales kiss at Women’s World Cup
Jenni Hermoso has filed a complaint to police over an “unsolicited kiss” by Spanish football federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales at the Women’s World Cup final.
The Spanish footballer is accusing Rubiales of sexual assault after he kissed her on the lips following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England.
Hermoso has said the kiss was not consensual but Rubiales has refused to resign.
The complaint, which was filed on Tuesday, is key for a preliminary investigation, which prosecutors at Spain’s top criminal court have opened for the alleged crime of “sexual assault”, to move forward.
Rubiales sparked a worldwide backlash after kissing Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain’s triumph in Sydney on August 20. Hermoso later said the unwanted kiss had left her feeling “vulnerable and like the victim of an assault”, with a statement on social media describing it as “an impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part”.
Rubiales has apologised for his conduct but insists the kiss was consensual. He has refused to quit his role despite both the RFEF and FIFA calling on him to do so.
On Tuesday, the RFEF sacked the head coach of the Spanish women’s team, Jorge Vilda, after he was the only member of the women’s national team coaching staff not to resign in protest at Rubiales’s behaviour.
Vilda’s dismissal was confirmed amid accusations he had repeatedly backed Rubiales.
The Spanish men’s team, too, criticised Rubiales on Monday for his “unacceptable behaviour” after he kissed Hermoso.
“We want to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behaviour from Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents,” captain Alvaro Morata said as he read out a statement on behalf of the team on
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