In August 2023, Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips while the athletes received their medals after a victory. The episode sparked widespread criticism of sexism in soccer, led to Rubiales' resignation as president of Spain's Royal Football Federation, and to sexual assault and raids. A judge ordered Rubiales to stand trial in January.
Letter from the public prosecutor's office viewed by Spanish media. Coach Rubiales claimed that he kissed Hermoso on the lips “surprisingly, without the player's consent or consent.” He and his team then continued “continuous and repeated acts of pressure” on Hermoso to justify kissing her in public, they continue.
“The events described created a situation of anxiety and extreme stress for Jennifer Hermoso that continued for several months thereafter,” the letter said.
Prosecutors said in their request that three soccer executives who were also indicted for pressuring Hermoso to downplay the incident in public — Jorge Vilda, former coach of the country's women's national team; Team manager Alberto Luque is also being sentenced to 18 months in prison. and Ruben Rivera, director of marketing for the federation.
According to Spanish media, the three executives denied the coercion charges in court.
