Jennifer Hermoso submits legal complaint against Luis Rubiales for World Cup kiss

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Published at :September 7, 2023 at 5:05 AM

Modified at :September 7, 2023 at 5:05 AM

Luis Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA

Authorities announced on Wednesday that Spanish soccer player Jennifer Hermoso submitted an official accusation against Luis Rubiales, the head of the nation's soccer union after he offered her an uninvited kiss during her team's World Cup triumph in Australia last month.

After Spain defeated England in the World Cup final on August 20, prosecutors in Spain started looking into whether Luis Rubiales could be prosecuted for sexual assault at a medal ceremony.

Ms Hermoso has insisted that she did not consent to the kiss, despite Mr Rubiales' defence of his behaviour and assertion that she had started the interaction. Additionally, Mr Rubiales has defied calls for him to leave the Spanish football organisation.

The kiss sparked a heated discussion on sexism in sports, especially in Spain, which is struggling with a macho culture that is deeply ingrained but on the decline.

The next phase in the legal process against Rubiales, who has refused to give up his position as head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), is Hermoso's legal complaint.

Hermoso rejected Rubiales' apology and assertion that the kiss was "mutual" after the Spanish national team won the World Cup championship on August 20.

Hermoso said she was treated disrespectfully. Rubiales has been placed on indefinite suspension by FIFA, the world governing body of football, while disciplinary action is being taken.

The altercation has caused a significant upheaval in Spanish football. The government is asking for Rubiales to step down. All 23 World Cup champions and 81 other Spain footballers have declared they will not compete for the squad again while Rubiales is the manager.

Later this month, they have Uefa Nations League qualification games scheduled against Sweden and Switzerland on September 22 and 26.

The World Cup-winning coach in charge of Spain, Jorge Vilda, was fired on Tuesday. Montse Tome was appointed as Vilda's replacement.

Rajarshi Shukla

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