Will Rubiales face criminal charges after Hermoso files sexual assault complaint?

Star Spain soccer player Jenni Hermoso filed a formal sexual assault complaint against now-suspended FA president Luis Rubiales. He had kissed her on the lips ‘without consent’ after the Women’s World Cup final, prosecutors’ office said Wednesday.

Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony. Spain beat England to win the World Cup on August 20 in Sydney, Australia.

The 46-year-old Spanish official said that the kiss was consensual. However, Hermoso has denied that. She added that her family was pressured by the federation to show their support for Rubiales. He has been suspended by FIFA amid pending investigation.

Also Read | Spain’s Jenni Hermoso laughs at a meme with her teammates on her kiss with Luis Rubiales: Watch Video

Rubiales could face criminal charges. Spanish head coach Jorge Vilda was sacked after he claimed it was an ‘unfair’ decision. The suspended official has continued to protest his innocence.

“I made some obvious mistakes, which I sincerely regret from the bottom of my heart. I’ve learned that no matter how great the joy and how deep the emotion, even when you win a World Cup, sports leaders should be held to exemplary behavior, and mine was not so,” he reacted to the accusations.

“The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the 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.”

Also Read | Who is Ángeles Béjar, mother of Luis Rubiales, suspended Spanish soccer federation president?

The prosecutor’s office on Wednesday said that, according to a new sexual consent law passed last year, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence if found guilty.

Rubiales is also being probed by the Spanish government.