Spanish prosecutors are pushing for a two-and-a-half year prison sentence for former football chief Luis Rubiales, embroiled in a trial for allegedly kissing Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso against her will, according to court documents.
In addition to the jail term, prosecutors are urging Rubiales to compensate Hermoso with a minimum of 50,000 euros ($54,000), as reported by Spanish media citing documents submitted to Spain’s Audiencia Nacional court.
The incident occurred on August 20 following Spain’s victory over England in the Women’s World Cup final in Australia. Rubiales, facing charges of sexual assault and coercion, allegedly forcefully kissed Hermoso on the lips while holding her head, an act captured live on camera and widely condemned.
Initially dismissed by Rubiales as consensual, Hermoso, 33, refuted the claim, stating the kiss was nonconsensual.
Prosecutors argue that Rubiales’ actions constitute sexual assault under Spanish law, describing the kiss as occurring “without consent or acceptance” from Hermoso.
Following his suspension by FIFA on August 26, Rubiales and his associates allegedly pressured Hermoso to publicly justify the kiss as consensual, causing her significant distress over several months, according to prosecutors.
Rubiales, 46, could face up to 18 months for coercion and a year for the kiss if convicted. Additionally, three of his former associates are also implicated in the case for pressuring Hermoso.
In response, Hermoso filed a lawsuit against Rubiales, seeking a restraining order and alleging pressure to defend him during team activities.
Despite the legal proceedings, Rubiales is also entangled in a separate corruption investigation related to the Royal Spanish Football Federation’s agreement to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Gerard Pique’s Kosmos firm.
While Rubiales denies any wrongdoing, authorities continue to probe the matter. His return to Spain from the Dominican Republic is expected on April 6, as communicated by his legal team to the court.
