BREAKING: Spain’s World Cup kiss-gate star Jenni Hermoso files formal sexual assault charges against FA president Luis Rubiales – and now he could face charges as the investigation approaches
Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso has paved the way for the prosecution of suspended Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales by filing a formal complaint against him over his infamous World Cup kiss.
Prosecutors gave the 33-year-old 15 days to accuse Rubiales of sexually assaulting her by kissing her on the lips without her consent following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory over England last month.
The move, which Rubiales says was sanctioned by FIFA and which he has described as a “cock”, sparked the Kissgate scandal which led to the father of three being suspended by FIFA for 90 days, a hunger strike in the church due to his retired mother and the dismissal of team manager Jorge Vilda.
This afternoon it appeared that Jenni had personally submitted her complaint to the headquarters of the Spanish Public Prosecution Service in Madrid.
Without it, prosecutors, who are now expected to ask a Spanish court to criminally investigate the 46-year-old in the coming days, would not have been able to prosecute Rubiales.
Jenni Hermoso (right, with former coach Jorge Vilda) has accused Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales of sexual assault
The president gave Hermoso a non-consensual kiss during the trophy presentation at the Women’s World Cup final
A judge from Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid would be tasked with conducting the investigation and deciding whether Rubiales should be charged before inviting prosecutors to charge the suspended Spanish FA president. That’s because the kiss that has sparked turmoil in Spanish football took place in Australia and other courts in Spain lack the authority to act.
Prosecutors agreed late last month to invite Jenni Hermoso to file a formal complaint against Rubiales. The footballer has said the kiss left her feeling vulnerable and a victim of aggression.
She has described it as “an impulsive, sexist act, misguided and without my consent of any kind.”
Rubiales, who has apologized for grabbing his crotch during the post-match festivities in front of Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, said in a lengthy statement last week: “The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us out of a mutual and consensual act, a product of great enthusiasm.
“There was no aggression at any time, in fact, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy on both of us.”
Rubiales’ retired hairdresser mother Angeles Bejar, 72, broke off her hunger strike last Wednesday at a church in her son’s hometown of Motril, near Granada, after being rushed to hospital for 48 hours over her protest.
She said she launched it to get Jenni to “tell the truth” about the kiss. Before she got sick, she said from church, “I just want the truth to be told.
Protesters gathered at a rally on Monday to call for Rubiales’ resignation from RFEF
The president’s mother, Angeles Bejar, took part in a hunger strike in support of her son, but was later taken to hospital
“She knows my son is very honest. If she tells the truth, everything will be all right.’
Referring to the World Cup kiss that led to the so-called ‘kiss-gate’ scandal, she added: ‘It was an anecdote, as she said herself, and look how far it’s gone.
“She must have a conscience and act accordingly.
“My son is very worried and has asked me not to continue, to stop, but I will stay here until I drop and my body can continue.”
Spain’s Acting Equality Minister, Irene Montero, responded to Jenni’s complaint by saying on X, formerly Twitter, “Jennifer Hermoso. You are not alone. Millions of us are with you.’ She concluded her statement of support with a heart emoticon.