Here is why the former UEFA vice president and Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, might go to prison following his shocking kiss at the Women’s World Cup.
Spanish prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year jail term for the former head of the country’s football federation, Luis Rubiales. This comes after he allegedly kissed footballer Jenni Hermoso against her will during Spain’s World Cup victory celebration last August. Rubiales faces charges of sexual assault and coercion for the unwanted kiss, which Hermoso and her teammates described as demeaning. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Rubiales was compelled to resign from his position.
Additionally, prosecutor Marta Durantez has charged Rubiales with sexual assault and coercion, with potential prison sentences of one year and 18 months, respectively. Durantez also accused other figures, including the former coach Jorge Vilda, the current sporting director Albert Luque, and the federation’s head of marketing, Ruben Rivera, of pressuring Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual. These individuals face up to 18 months in jail if convicted.
The prosecutor is seeking €100,000 in damages for Hermoso, with Rubiales expected to pay at least half of this amount. Furthermore, a restraining order has been requested against Rubiales, prohibiting him from being within 200 meters of Hermoso or communicating with her for the next seven-and-a-half years.
This controversy has marred Spain’s women’s team’s historic World Cup victory, overshadowing what should have been a momentous occasion for the team.
