Ex-Spanish Football Chief Faces 2.5 Years in Jail Over Non-Consensual Kiss

Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison term for former Spanish Football Federation chief Luis Rubiales following an incident where he kissed World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent.

The disgraced ex-federation chief is facing charges of sexual assault and coercion stemming from the unwanted kiss during the FIFA Women’s World Cup final on August 20, 2023.

According to DW, prosecutors are also requesting that Rubiales compensate Hermoso with $108,000. Additionally, they are urging for Rubiales to be banned from working in the sports field and prohibited from contacting or approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius for four years.

Last year, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed a three-year ban on Rubiales from all football-related activities at both national and international levels after finding him in violation of Article 13 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

In response to the incident, FIFA stated its unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of all individuals and ensuring that fundamental standards of decency are upheld.

Hermoso expressed feeling vulnerable and victimized after the incident, describing Rubiales’ kiss as a sexist and non-consensual act that lacked respect.

Despite facing public condemnation, Rubiales initially resisted stepping down from his position but eventually relented under pressure. He maintained that the kiss was consensual and asserted his innocence, stating, “I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power so that it prevails.”

The incident marred what should have been a historic victory for the Spanish team in Australia.