Jenni Hermoso insists she did not give consent to Luis Rubiales during the Women’s World Cup final celebrations (SPP/Shutterstock)
Jenni Hermoso has submitted an official complaint to the Spanish Prosecutor’s Office over Luis Rubiales’ non-consensual kiss after the Women’s World Cup final.
Hermoso formalised her complaint in person at the headquarters of the State Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday.
The Prosecutor’s Office had received several complaints from the Spanish publicagainst Rubiales over the kiss during the World Cup final celebrations last month but could not act until Hermoso herself filed a complaint.
But Hermoso’s decision to file her complaint this week means that Rubiales, who is currently suspended from his role as president of the Spanish Football Federation, could now face criminal charges.
Hermoso has repeatedly denied Rubiales’ claim that the kiss was consensual.
Luis Rubiales could now face criminal charges in Spain (BBC)
In her statement released last month, Hermoso said: ‘I feel the need to denounce what happened because I believe that no person, in any work, sports or social environment, should be a victim of this type of non-consensual behaviour.
‘I felt vulnerable and the victim of an aggression, an impulsive, machista [chauvinistic] act, out of place and without any consent on my part. Simply put, I was not respected.”
‘I want to reiterate that I do not have to support the person who has committed this action against my will, without respecting me, in a historic moment for me and for women’s sport in this country.’
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Rubiales, meanwhile, has refused to resign following the backlash towards his conduct during the celebrations after Spain’s 1-0 win over England in Sydney.
In an attempt to clear his name, Rubiales sent a video to FIFA which shows Hermoso joking about the incident with her Spain teammates on the team bus.
In a statement released after receiving an initial 90-day ban from FIFA, Rubiales said: ‘
‘The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to carry out a mutual and consented act, the product of great enthusiasm. At no time was there any aggression, indeed, there was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both.
‘I repeat: with the consent of both parties, both with affectionate hugs, as well as the kiss and subsequent parting thereafter full of affectionate mutual gestures, which occurred in the medal ceremony on stage.
‘Evidence, expert reports, documentation, videos, etc. have been provided and will continue to be provided. Pertinent evidence that proves the reality of what happened. Evidence is not opinions, it’s clear facts.’
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