For Luis Rubiales, the kissing affair at the 2023 Women’s World Cup is far from over, and the court dates have now been set. Even a prison sentence is not out of the question
In addition to former federation president Rubiales, world champion coach Jorge Vilda, former sports director of the national federation (RFEF) Albert Luque and former RFEF head of marketing Ruben Rivera will also have to sit in the dock. Between February 3 and 19, there will be a total of eleven trial days at the court in San Fernando de Henares near Madrid, the National State Court announced on Monday.
Rubiales resigned as head of the RFEF last September in the wake of the kissing scandal at the 2023 World Cup in Australia. He was subsequently banned for three years by FIFA, among others. The issue had caused a worldwide stir.
The official at the time had kissed Jenni Hermoso (34) on the mouth during the award ceremony after winning the World Cup title. The striker contradicted Rubiales’ statement that the kiss was consensual and filed a complaint.
The investigations and hearings of the witnesses had revealed that the controversial kiss had taken place without consent, according to a recent written statement from the court. The criminal proceedings will include a legal assessment of the question of whether the kiss was erotic in nature and constituted sexual aggression, and the extent to which it was motivated by euphoria over the world championship title, it said at the time.
Rubiales is under investigation in several matters
The three co-defendants are primarily accused of coercion, among other things because they allegedly put Hermoso under pressure so that she would not accuse Rubiales. Rubiales is also under investigation for allegedly concluding contracts irregularly during his five-year presidency. The allegations include corruption in business transactions, unfair administration and money laundering.
Rubiales has repeatedly denied all allegations. The 46-year-old is facing several years in prison in this case and also in the criminal proceedings relating to the kissing affair. The public prosecutor’s office is demanding two and a half years in prison as well as a two-year probation period after serving the sentence and a compensation payment of 50,000 euros to Hermoso.
