The violent kiss that Luis Rubiales gave to World Cup participant Jenni Hermoso on the lips was the subject of a preliminary inquiry, according to prosecutors at Spain’s highest criminal court, who claimed it may have been a “sexual assault” offense.
According to a court statement, “prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which may constitute a crime of sexual assault.”
The statement claimed that they will also get in touch with Hermoso to give her an opportunity to launch a lawsuit within 15 days.
On August 20, the day after Spain won the Women’s World Cup in Sydney, Rubiales provoked a huge uproar when he forcefully kissed Hermoso on the lips at the medal ceremony.
then, Hermoso described the unwelcome kiss as having made her feel “vulnerable and like the victim of an assault,” calling it “an impulsive, macho act, out of place, and without any type of consent on my part.” Hermoso then expressed her regret on social media.
The court said that it was beginning the probe due to the “unequivocal nature” of her allegations and that it was essential “to determine their legal significance”.
According to the court document, “the sexual act she was subjected to by (Luis) Rubiales was not consensual given the public statements made by Jennifer Hermoso.”
Legal professionals would also get in touch with the participant “to present her with the choice of legal action, giving her the opportunity to contact National Court prosecutors within 15 days for information about her rights as a victim of an alleged sexual assault…should she wish to file a complaint,” it stated.
Rubiales was the head of Spain’s RFEF football organization until FIFA banned him over the weekend. He may now face further punishment in Spain when the National Sports Council (CSD) of that nation meets on Monday to hear and review the accusations against him.