Spanish prosecutors have recently revealed their intention to pursue a two-and-a-half-year prison term and a €100,000 fine from Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish football chief involved in the controversial kissgate scandal with international player Jenni Hermoso.
The Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court (AN) addressed the case of the ex-head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in connection with the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup, where Rubiales was accused of forcibly kissing Hermoso and embracing other players.
This scandal led to his removal from office, and his trial took place last year – even prompting his mother to go on a hunger strike in his defense. The £86,000 fine is intended to be paid to Tigres UANL forward Hermoso as compensation.
The trial is expected to commence shortly, following the release of a six-page indictment to the public yesterday. Prosecutors are advocating for a one-year sentence for sexual assault, along with an 18-month sentence for alleged coercion in his efforts to compel Hermoso to publicly support him.
Judge Francisco de Jorge, based in Madrid, who greenlit the trial, declared in January that “the investigation has revealed compelling evidence that the kiss Luis Manuel Rubiales Bejar planted on Jennifer Hermoso was not consensual. It was an unexpected and one-sided action on his part.”
“Whether there was no any erotic intention or it was a result of the state of euphoria and excitement experienced as a consequence of the extraordinary sporting triumph preceding it is something that should be valued in a public trial.”
The former of Spanish football is currently under investigation for his involvement in a corruption case related to a deal with Saudi Arabia, which resulted in the kingdom hosting the Super Cup.
Javier Tebas, the President of LaLiga, has expressed his support for the decision to hold the annual match in Saudi Arabia, stating that it has had positive effects on Spanish football.
Rubiales, on the other hand, is said to be in the Dominican Republic but has assured that he will be returning to Spain soon.
