Luis Rubiales: Spanish prosecutor files complaint of “sexual assault and coercion” against football coach over unwanted kiss on Spanish star

CNN
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the Spanish The national public prosecutor filed a complaint against the suspended president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales“For the crime of sexual assault and coercion against Jennifer Hermoso,” according to a press release.

Tuesday, La Roja Superstar Hermoso filed a formal complaint with the Public Prosecution Office against Rubiales over an unwanted kiss after the Women’s World Cup final, which led to this new development.

The complaint filed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office – part of the Spanish legal process – paves the way for the Spanish National Court to begin a formal investigation into Rubiales, who has refused to resign as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and to begin collecting evidence. , which could lead to possible charges.

The press release issued by the Public Prosecution stated: “The complaint was submitted after the player appeared, on September 5, before the Public Prosecution, accompanied by her lawyer, and filed an explicit complaint about the events that, according to her statements, occurred without her consent.” Office added.

According to the press release from the Attorney General’s Office, Hermoso “also indicated in her statement that she and the people close to her were subjected to constant and repeated pressure from Luis Rubiales and his professional environment.”

“The Public Prosecutor believes that this harassment could constitute a crime of coercion.”

The statement added that it would request information from the Australian authorities “about the classification of crimes against sexual freedom in its criminal regulations.”

CNN contacted the Spanish Football Federation to find out if Luis Rubiales has any legal defence, but the federation noted that it lacks any details in this regard as a football coach – who has been suspended from all football-related activities for 90 days by FIFA. for football. FIFA – cannot use the legal resources of the Spanish Football Federation.

The unwanted kiss caused a major change in Spanish football, as the government demanded Rubiales’ resignation, and the Spanish Federation dismissed World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda from his position. He was replaced by Montse Tomé, the first woman in the history of the Spanish national team to hold this position.

Rubiales apologized and described the kiss on August 20 as “mutual,” which Hermoso denied, saying it was disrespectful.

More than 80 Spanish footballers then put their names to a statement supporting Hermoso, saying they would not return to the national team “if the current leaders continue” in their positions.

The public outcry over the unwanted kiss has come from all circles of Spanish society, including from politicians and sports stars.

Pau Gasol, Spanish basketball legend and two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, said in a press conference at the Basketball World Cup on Friday that it was “very disappointing” to see Rubiales’ behavior, and said that it should not be “tolerated or tolerated.” “With him.” “I accepted.”

“Being a Spanish citizen and seeing my country win the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time ever, it was a bit disappointing, well, very disappointing actually, to see that happen, to see that moment happen and that kind of thing.” “Attitude,” Gasol said.

“Taking advantage of a moment of joy and happiness, and these amazing women did an amazing job winning the World Cup, was difficult. It was a huge challenge for me and for our country in a way, and we are still dealing with it now.

He added: “As president of the federation, you should know better, but this happened, so now you have to deal with it and make sure it does not happen again.”