The Sexual Harassment Scandal Rocking Spanish Soccer: Rubiales, a Former Federacion Chief, Faces Trial for an Unsolicited Kiss of National Player Jennifer Hermoso

Rubiales, the former Spanish soccer federation chief, is facing trial for an unsolicited kiss of national soccer player Jennifer Hermoso. The trial was set after a ruling by a High Court judge in Madrid who accepted the case. The kiss in question occurred after Spain’s World Cup victory last year. Rubiales is charged with sexual assault and coercion, for which Spanish prosecutors are seeking a total of two years and six months in prison.

Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing and claims he had received consent from Hermoso. However, Hermoso has previously stated that she did not consent to the kiss and felt disrespected by Rubiales.

The Public Ministry in Spain has formally accused Rubiales of sexual assault, while also accusing former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, the team’s current sporting director Albert Luque, and the federation’s head of marketing Ruben Rivera of coercing Hermoso into stating that the kiss was consensual.

The High Court has set bail amounts for Rubiales and the others involved in the case, with a separate bail for Rubiales’ sexual assault charge and a joint bail for all accused individuals for the coercion charge.

This case marks a significant moment in Spanish sports history as it brings attention to issues surrounding sexual harassment and assault within professional sports organizations. It also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within these organizations to ensure that athletes feel safe and respected at all times.