Luis Rubiales: Spanish prosecutor files complaint against Spanish FA president for sexual assault and coercion

Spain footballer Jenni Hermoso filed a complaint against Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales after he kissed her on the lips on the winners' podium of her team's Women's World Cup final victory over England

Friday 8 September 2023 18:33, UK

The Spanish prosecutor has filed a complaint against the Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion.

It comes after Jenni Hermoso filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office on Wednesday.

With the complaint, Rubiales could face criminal charges, in addition to the ongoing inquiry by Spain's top sport court for «serious misconduct» and an investigation by FIFA, which has provisionally suspended him.

According to a sexual consent law passed last year, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault.

Prosecutors added Friday Rubiales could have committed an act of coercion when, according to Hermoso, he pressured her to speak out in his defence immediately after the scandal erupted regarding his behaviour.

Prosecutors have also asked the judge that Rubiales appear before a court to give preliminary testimony.

If the National Court judge agrees the hear the case, it would lead to a formal court investigation that will end with a recommendation for the case to either be dismissed or go to trial.

The football player accused Rubiales of sexual assault after he kissed her on the lips following Spain's 1-0 victory over England in the Women's World Cup final last month.

Hermoso said she did not want to be kissed, and that she felt «vulnerable and a victim of an aggression». The Spain player also said she and her family were pressured by the federation to show support for Rubiales in the immediate aftermath of the