Spanish football player Jenni Hermoso has filed a formal complaint against suspended Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales over his infamous World Cup kiss, thereby giving room for his prosecution.
The 33-year-old was given 15 days by prosecutors to accuse Rubiales of sexual assault by kissing her on the lips without her consent after Spain won the Women’s World Cup over England last month.
According to Rubiales, the kiss was consensual, and he described it as a “peck”, however, this has spiralled into a huge scandal as he has been suspended by FIFA for 90 days and the team’s manager Jorge Vilda sacked by RFEF.
This afternoon, Hermoso filed her complaint in person at the Spanish State Prosecution Service HQ in Madrid.
With this, state prosecutors are expected to ask a Spanish court to place the 46-year-old under criminal investigation in the next few days.
Afterwards, a judge at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid would lead a probe to determine whether Rubiales should face charges before inviting prosecutors to indict the suspended Spanish FA president, this is because the incident took place in Australia.
Prosecutors agreed late last month to invite Jenni Hermoso to file a formal complaint against Rubiales. The footballer has said the kiss left her feeling vulnerable and a victim of aggression.
She has described it as “an impulsive, sexist act, out of place and without any type of consent on my part.”
Last week in an apology letter, Rubiales said, “The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consensual act, a product of great enthusiasm.
“At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both of us.”
In response to the official complaint by Hermoso, Spain’s acting Equality Minister Irene Montero wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Jennifer Hermoso. You are not alone. Millions of us are with you.” She finished her message of support with a heart emoticon.
