Jenni Hermoso accuses Luis Rubiales of sexual assault

Women’s World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso has accused Luis Rubiales, the embattled president of the Spanish football federation, of sexual assault stemming from an unsolicited kiss during Spain’s victory celebration last month, according to the country’s prosecutor’s office.

Hermoso, a forward on Spain’s national women’s soccer team, offered testimony Tuesday, Reuters reported, noting “the complaint will be processed ‘as soon as possible.’”

Jenni Hermoso has accused Luis Rubiales of sexual assault following an unsolicited kiss at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
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Rubiales, who has since been suspended by FIFA for 90 days in the wake of the ordeal, “could face criminal charges” with the complaint, according to Reuters.

The incident unfolded on Aug. 20, when Hermoso and her teammates were taking part in the gold medal ceremony in Sydney, Australia, as Spain celebrated its win over England in the Women’s World Cup final.

Rubiales planted a kiss on Hermoso’s lips, which he alleged was consensual.

Spain forward Jenni Hermoso in July 2023.
AP
Luis Rubiales speaks during an emergency general assembly meeting following the Women’s World Cup on Aug. 25, 2023.
AP

Hermoso later denied the kiss was consensual.

Rubiales has refused to resign from his post amid the public outcry.

Last week, the Spanish government suffered a setback in its case against Rubiales after a court rejected the argument that the charges against were “very serious.”