Arr! Luis Rubiales, the former Spain soccer captain, be standin' trial for a smooch at the Women's World Cup!
2024-01-25
Avast ye scurvy dogs! The scallywag Luis Rubiales, former Spanish soccer boss, be facin' a trial for his misdeed o' plantin' an unwelcome smooch on fair Jenni Hermoso's lips at the end o' the Women's World Cup. Aye, justice be served!
Former Spain soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales is set to face trial over an unwanted kiss on the lips of Jenni Hermoso, a player from the country's Women's World Cup-winning team. Investigative judge Francisco de Jorge declared that Rubiales' kiss was "unconsented and carried out unilaterally and in a surprising fashion." State prosecutors have accused Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion, alleging that he attempted to pressure Hermoso into publicly supporting him amidst the public backlash. Rubiales, however, denies any wrongdoing. According to authorities in Madrid, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of 1-4 years if found guilty, based on a law passed in 2022 that eliminated the distinction between sexual harassment and sexual assault, punishing any unconsented sexual act. Rubiales resigned from his position in September following the controversy, after Spanish state prosecutors accused him of sexual assault and coercion. Initially, Rubiales refused to step down, claiming to be the victim of a "witch hunt" by "false feminists," but he was eventually suspended for 90 days. Hermoso and her teammates refused to play for Spain as long as Rubiales remained in charge, only returning when the government intervened and secured an agreement to improve women's support and protocols within the federation. The judge also found evidence suggesting that Rubiales had unsuccessfully pressured Hermoso to appear in a video to alleviate public pressure. Alongside Rubiales, former Spain coach Jorge Vilda, sports director Albert Luque, and former head of marketing Rubén Rivera are also expected to face trial for their alleged involvement, although Hermoso has declined to participate.