Luis Rubiales Faces Potential Trial Over Post-World Cup Kiss Controversy

Spanish High Court Considers Trial for Former Federation Chief and Others

In a surprising turn of events, Luis Rubiales, former football federation chief, is facing the possibility of a trial over a controversial kiss with footballer Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory. The Spanish High Court judge, Francisco de Jorge, proposed this trial on Thursday.

Allegations and Defendants

The trial is not limited to Rubiales; former women’s team coach Jorge Vilda, men’s team sport director Albert Luque, and federation marketing chief Ruben Rivera are also named in the trial proposal. The charges against them include forcing Hermoso to declare the kiss as consensual, according to Judge Francisco de Jorge.

Judge’s Findings

Contrary to Rubiales’ claims, the court’s investigation suggests that the kiss “was not consensual and was a unilateral and surprising initiative” by Rubiales. The judge’s findings have fueled the push for a trial.

While the judge has proposed the trial, prosecutors and lawyers still have the opportunity to present their arguments. Following this, the court will make the crucial decision on whether to proceed with the trial and determine the timeline.

Hermoso’s Complaint

The controversy revolves around the 33-year-old forward and Spain’s all-time top scorer, Jenni Hermoso. In September, she filed a criminal complaint of sexual assault and coercion, expressing her vulnerability and feeling like a victim of aggression following the kiss on the winners’ podium on August 20.

Social Impact and #SeAcabo Movement

The case has had a profound impact on both the sporting world and Spanish society. The hashtag #SeAcabo (“It’s over”) gained traction on social media, becoming a symbol of protest against forced intimacy by powerful individuals.

Coordinated Action Allegations

Beyond the controversial kiss, the judge identified evidence suggesting Rubiales and the co-defendants may have committed a related offense. Their coordinated action to make Hermoso “record a video in which she would say the kiss was consensual” is now under scrutiny.

Future Steps

While the case has shocked many, the legal process is ongoing. The potential trial and its outcomes will be closely watched, adding another layer to the broader conversation about consent and power dynamics in sports and beyond.

Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid - Editor Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid joins "To The Sports News" as an Editor, bringing a decade of comprehensive journalistic experience to our team. A respected Pakistani journalist, he has dedicated his career to covering a wide array of global issues across the world, demonstrating a deep understanding of complex subjects and a commitment to detailed reporting. Mr. Wahid has a background working with prominent print and electronic media organizations, including Channel Five TV, the newspaper "Khabrain," The Nation/Nawa-i-Waqt, NNI, Daily Sama, City 42, Star Asia, Waqt News, Daily The Business, and Daily The Khabrain. His work has covered areas such as Environment, Health, and Sports. He is also a member of the Lahore Press Club, the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ), highlighting his dedication to journalistic standards and diverse reporting. His academic background includes a BS Honors degree in Sociology and an MPhil from Punjab University, alongside a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sargodha. Furthermore, Mr. Wahid is a Ph.D. candidate in Journalism at Complutense University of Madrid, and has contributed to research on topics including the relationship of sports participation with achievement, motivation, and innovation traits among university students, and the effects of parental involvement on student participation in sports. With his extensive experience in covering diverse topics and his keen analytical skills, Mr. Azhar ul Haq Wahid is poised to lead our sports news coverage with depth, accuracy, and insightful perspectives, ensuring our readers receive top-tier journalistic content.

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