Spanish prosecutors have initiated a preliminary probe against Rubiales over his kiss with soccer player Jenni Hermoso following the Women's World Cup final. Rubiales was widely criticized for grabbing his crotch in celebration and kissing Hermoso without her consent – something which will no doubt result in more legal action being taken against him by Hermoso herself.
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The National Court announced it will contact Hermoso and give her the option of taking legal action against Rubiales, after she publicly claimed the kiss was not consensual.
Prosecutors have opened a preliminary sex abuse investigation into Rubiales
Spain's highest criminal court, the National Court, announced on Monday it has initiated a preliminary probe to assess if Luis Rubiales' unwanted kiss on player Jenni Hermoso should constitute sexual assault. They stated they are looking into any facts that may constitute an offense and will provide Hermoso with an opportunity to file formal charges if she so chooses.
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Prosecutors initiated this investigation following six complaints filed against Rubiales during their World Cup final win against England last Sunday. His actions during that game include giving Hermoso an impulse-driven kiss on her lips before making a victory sign and then grabbing his crotch as part of an act to show his joy in front of both Spanish Queen Maria Cristina and Princess Daughter Leonora.
Hermoso, 33, had earlier accused the RFEF of pressuring her into supporting Rubiales' claims that their kiss was mutual and consensual. Hermoso's allegations caused an immediate mass resignation among all coaching team members within RFEF while Rubiales' mother Angeles Bejar has locked herself inside a church to go on hunger strike against their treatment by the federation.
Hermoso will be contacted by legal experts
In Spain, sexual assault by uninvited kissing constitutes sexual aggression under Article 178 of the Penal Code and an offense punishable under article 180. For any cases to be prosecuted and enforced against those involved, victims must file formal complaints within 15 days to the National Court in order to be informed about their rights and pursue prosecution.
The scandal over a sexual attack has become the subject of national outrage and debate about women's rights and macho behavior. Acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz claimed on Monday that Rubiales' defiance, as well as support from some federation members, demonstrated “systemic male chauvinism” within Spanish society.
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Rubiales has made clear his intent to defend himself, with the RFEF issuing a statement on Saturday in his defense which called Hermoso out as being dishonest and false in her account of events. They claimed they have photographs which contradict Hermoso's account but since posted those same images online and posted screenshots as proof. Hermoso has not made up her mind on whether or not to pursue legal action against Rubiales; Hermoso may decide later today or tomorrow on this decision.
Rubiales has been suspended by FIFA
FIFA has suspended RFEF president Luis Rubiales from soccer duties for 90 days and ordered that he refrain, either directly or through third parties, from communicating with professional player of the Spanish national team Jennifer Hermoso and her close environment.
Hermoso has demanded Rubiales step down over her kiss during the on-field medal and trophy presentation following Spain's women's World Cup final win last weekend. In a statement that was later deleted by their federation, Hermoso accused them of lying.
FIFA claims it took the decision to suspend Rubiales to protect “the fundamental rights of player” and maintain integrity within the disciplinary process. FIFA also requested legal experts contact Hermoso so she can decide any potential legal action against RFEF president; Hermoso has stated she won't return until he leaves; women's rights groups as well as fellow players have encouraged her to voice her opposition publicly.
Rubiales has been suspended by UEFA
Luis Rubiales' scandal continues to intensify following Fifa's suspension on Saturday for refusing to step down after kissing national team player Jenni Hermoso during the World Cup final, when Fifa requested that he do so. On Monday Spain's top criminal court announced they have initiated preliminary enquiries and legal experts will contact Hermoso regarding her rights as a victim of sexual assault and give her information about filing a formal complaint.
RFEF has asked its members not to contact Hermoso. On Monday afternoon, under interim leader Pedro Rocha's leadership, an emergency meeting of its regional presidents took place to assess the crisis. Rubiales has been called upon by his Presidents and Regional Presidents alike to resign immediately; Rubiales' mother Angeles Bejar is currently locked inside a church near Motril and refusing food as she attempts to convince him. Meanwhile, various senior and youth women's coaches from RFEF have quit in protest.
