A Spanish judge has recommended that former football federation president Luis Rubiales face trial over the women’s World Cup kiss controversy involving captain Jenni Hermoso.
The judge, after finding sufficient evidence during a hearing at the Audencia Nacional in Madrid, characterized the kiss as “not consensual” and a “unilateral and surprising initiative.
Previously charged with sexual assault and coercion, Rubiales denies the allegations made by Hermoso.
Penalties for such an incident range from a fine to four years in prison.
The case also involves other Spanish football executives, including Hermoso’s former coach Jorge Vilda, former marketing manager RubĂ©n Rivera, and the sports director of the men’s team Albert Luque.
They are accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual.
The judge has determined that all parties involved should stand trial, and lawyers have 10 days to make a formal trial request.
Hermoso, Spain’s top scorer, testified before the court, emphasizing that the kiss was unexpected and non-consensual, despite an earlier statement indicating consent.
The incident, which took place during the medal ceremony in Sydney last August, led to Rubiales’ resignation as president of the Spanish football federation and sparked global concerns about sexism in women’s sports.