Football executive under investigation for sexual harassment

If the Spanish football boss is convicted guilty of sexual assault, she might spend up to four years in prison.

An accusation of sexual assault and coercion against controversial football federation chief Luis Rubiales has been lodged in Spain’s high court by prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil in connection with an alleged non-consensual kiss on female player Jenni Hermoso last month.

According to the lawsuit, according to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, “the player” also claimed that Luis Rubiales and his entourage put continual and repeated pressure on her and her family to explain and endorse what occurred.

Hermoso was subjected to harassment, which prevented her from living unrestrictedly and in peace and tranquilly.

The complaint also asks the court to open an official inquiry into the football boss Rubiales, 46, to see if any criminal charges can be filed. A sexual assault conviction in Spain might result in a prison sentence of one to four years, according to information released by the prosecutor’s office earlier this week.

Following Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final in Australia last month, Rubiales received harsh criticism for kissing Hermoso on the lips. The former player, who has led the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) since 2019 maintained the kiss was consensual at the time; Hermoso later refuted the former player’s statement.

Days after Hermoso accused Rubiales of sexual assault in a criminal complaint, Rubiales received a formal complaint to Spain’s high court.

After the controversy, several RFEF members urged Rubiales to step down, but he has so far refused. At a special general meeting, Rubiales declared that “a social assassination is taking place.” FIFA, the organisation that oversees international football, has suspended him for 90 days while an investigation is ongoing.

The winning coach of the Spanish team in Australia last month, Jorge Vilda, who is seen as a key ally of Rubiales, originally refrained from criticising the RFEF president but eventually did so. On September 5, Vilda’s agreement came to an end.

At least 81 female players declared their reluctance to play for the national team as long as Rubiales is involved with it, while some members of Vilda’s coaching staff quit prior to his dismissal.