LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso has accused the now-suspended former president of the Spanish soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, of sexual assault following a controversial kiss on the lips during the Women’s World Cup final awards ceremony.
The kiss occurred after Spain secured victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final on August 20 in Sydney, Australia. Rubiales claimed the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso vehemently denied this in statements issued by her and her players’ union.
She also alleged that she and her family faced pressure from the federation to publicly support Rubiales in the wake of the scandal, which marred her team’s triumph.
Under a sexual consent law passed last year, Rubiales could potentially face a fine or a prison sentence ranging from one to four years if found guilty.
The law eliminated the distinction between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault,” punishing any non-consensual sexual act.
Hermoso has received significant support from Spain’s government, players’ unions, players, and the general public. Rubiales, on the other hand, has faced ostracism in the soccer world, even as he refuses to resign.
READ ALSO: New Footage Casts Doubt On Luis Rubiales’ Claims Over Kiss Controversy With Hermoso
FIFA suspended Rubiales from his post on August 27, one day after he defiantly refused to step down, claiming he was a victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists” during a speech to the general assembly of his federation.
FIFA’s disciplinary judges are considering his case, and the organization can impose sanctions ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport.
The Spanish government’s legal panel overseeing sports has also initiated an investigation into whether Rubiales abused his authority by kissing Hermoso and whether his conduct tarnished Spain’s image. He could potentially be declared unfit to hold his post for up to two years.
Furthermore, Rubiales faces the possibility of a vote of no confidence by the federation, although the institution has yet to take this step despite urging him to resign.
Hermoso’s accusation represents the most significant challenge to Rubiales to date, potentially leading to a criminal case.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed that Hermoso made the accusation on Tuesday, with interim federation president Pedro Rocha, considered an ally of Rubiales.
In response to Hermoso’s accusation, Rubiales claimed the kiss was “mutual” and compared it to a kiss he might give one of his daughters.
Hermoso emphatically denied this account, stating that she felt vulnerable and victimized by an impulsive and non-consensual act.
Jenni Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward, currently plays for the Mexican club Pachuca after a successful career with top Spanish and European clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atletico Madrid.
The controversy surrounding Rubiales’ behavior at the Women’s World Cup final, including the inappropriate crotch grab during the awards ceremony, coupled with his contentious speech, has deeply divided Spanish soccer.
READ ALSO: Spanish FA Activates ‘Sexual Violence Protocol’ Against Luis Rubiales After Hermoso kiss
Recently, the Spanish federation dismissed Jorge Vilda, the coach of Spain’s Women’s World Cup champion team, who had been perceived as unpopular among the players and closely aligned with Rubiales.
One year earlier, 15 players had refused to play under Vilda, citing the need for a more professional work environment.
Despite the removal of Vilda, the women’s national team players, including the World Cup champions, announced their refusal to play for Spain until Rubiales stepped down.
The impact of these events has also reached the men’s team, with coach Luis de la Fuente apologizing for applauding Rubiales’ sexist-tinged speech and the players condemning Rubiales’ behavior in a statement.
As of now, there is no indication that the women players are prepared to return to the national team even after Vilda’s removal.
Spain’s government and its women players hope that the backlash against Rubiales will lead to a reckoning with sexism in soccer.
