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Suspended Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales could face up to four years in prison if convicted of sexual assault after World Cup star Jenni Hermoso filed a formal complaint against him on Wednesday.
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| Luis Rubiales uses every trick to save himself |
Luis Rubiales celebrated Spain's victory after the 2023 World Cup final by kissing Hermoso on the lips as she went to the stands to collect her medal.
Hermoso later claimed that she "did not like" the president's kiss and that it was non-consensual, and she filed a complaint with the National Court Prosecutor's Office.
A non-consensual kiss can be considered sexual assault in Spain and can be punishable by one to four years in prison.
However, judges can lower the sentence if they see fit and instead impose a fine, meaning that if Rubiales is charged and convicted, he could still avoid jail time.
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Luis Rubiales's Condemned Actions Against Jenni Hermoso |
Following Hermoso’s complaint, the court now has two months to decide whether to proceed with the proceedings. If the court accepts the case, Hermoso and Rubiales will both be called to testify.
Hermoso will present evidence first, then Rubiales will have the opportunity to respond in a process that could take up to six months.
Rubiales has faced calls to resign following his behaviour, but he has consistently refused to leave his post, even making a defiant statement in an extraordinary press conference just five days after the World Cup final.
In a press conference, Rubiales confirmed he would stay and vowed to give coach Jorge Vilda a new and improved contract.
Coach Jorge Vilda applauded Rubiales' speech, but later admitted Rubiales' actions were 'unjustified'.
Vilda was sacked earlier this week after a number of Spain players refused to join the squad while he was in charge, raising concerns about his coaching methods last year.
Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA, but has not yet been punished, although the Spanish Football Federation condemned his behaviour as “totally unacceptable” and apologised to the public for the “enormous damage” he had caused.
Rubiales was heavily criticized for kissing Hermoso, but still had the support of some close allies, including his mother Angelas Bejar.
Ms Bejar locked herself in a church last Monday and went on hunger strike as she called for an end to her son's 'inhumane' treatment. She called on Hermoso to 'tell the truth' about the incident, before being hospitalised three days into her hunger strike.
Rubiales was there to pick up his mother from the hospital last Thursday, having remained silent since last week's press conference.
Ms Bejar's drastic actions have not stopped Hermoso from continuing to press charges against Rubiales, with the 'Jenni kiss' scandal now heading to court.
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