Former Spanish Football Association (FA) president Luis Rubiales is set to stand trial for an incident during the Women's World Cup final. Rubiales, 46, kissed Spain player Jenni Hermoso on the lips as she received her medal after Spain's victory over England in August last year.
Rubiales faced heavy pressure to resign from his position and subsequently stepped down. Public prosecutors are now seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, who maintains his innocence.
According to reports, Rubiales will be tried for the kiss incident as well as for coercion, along with former Spain manager Jorge Vilda. The court rejected appeals against the judge's order from Rubiales, Vilda, former director Albert Luque, and Ruben Rivera, who worked in marketing.
The court determined that there is evidence of a crime against sexual freedom and coercion. Public prosecutors are also asking for Rubiales to be banned from working in sports during the sentence and prohibited from communicating with Hermoso for four years.
Rubiales has consistently maintained his innocence, stating in an interview that he has a clear conscience and that the situation has become exaggerated. He defended his actions, saying that he asked Hermoso for permission and she consented.
He rejected claims of coercion, stating that he only spoke with Hermoso for a brief period. Rubiales expressed frustration at being accused of sexual assault, emphasizing that he cannot understand how anyone could perceive the kiss as such.
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