Former Spain soccer chief Luis Rubiales is set to stand trial on a count of sexual assault for an incident involving star player Jennifer Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup medal ceremony in August. The National Court’s decision comes after a judge determined that Rubiales should be held accountable for forcibly kissing Hermoso on the mouth, which was deemed nonconsensual.
Public prosecutors and Hermoso’s lawyers are seeking two and a half years of prison time for Rubiales, with one year for the sexual assault charge and an additional 18 months for coercion. Three other former soccer officials, including former women’s team coach Jorge Vilda, are also facing coercion charges and could each face 18 months in prison.
This development is part of a high-profile case that has sparked a public conversation about sexism and power imbalances in soccer. Rubiales initially resisted calls to resign from his positions in the Royal Spanish Football Federation and UEFA, but ultimately stepped down after a restraining order was issued against him and FIFA banned him from the sport for three years.
In addition to the sexual assault case, Rubiales is also facing allegations of corruption and money laundering related to the Super Cup tournament in Saudi Arabia, as well as accusations of spying on the head of Spain’s players’ union and misusing federation funds for personal expenses. Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing.
The court has set Rubiales’ bail at 65,000 euros for the sexual assault charge, with an additional 65,000 euros to be posted jointly with the other accused officials. This trial marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal saga surrounding Rubiales and the allegations against him.
