Spanish prosecutors have revealed their intent to pursue a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence and a €100,000 fine for Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish football chief, in connection with the “kissgate” scandal involving international player Jenni Hermoso.
The Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court (AN) addressed the case involving the ex-chief of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), focusing on incidents during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Rubiales faced accusations of forcibly kissing Hermoso and engaging in inappropriate physical contact with other players.
The controversy resulted in his dismissal, and the case proceeded to trial last year, during which his mother staged a hunger strike in his defence.
The proposed fine is designated as compensation for Tigres UANL forward Hermoso. A six-page indictment, released ahead of the trial, outlines the charges against Rubiales. Prosecutors are seeking a one-year term for sexual assault and an 18-month term for alleged coercion, related to attempts to compel Hermoso to publicly defend him.
Judge Francisco de Jorge, presiding in Madrid, stated in January, “The investigation has revealed the existence of solid evidence the kiss Luis Manuel Rubiales Bejar gave the player Jennifer Hermoso was not consensual and was a unilateral and surprise initiative on his part.”
“Whether there was no any erotic intention or it was a result of the state of euphoria and excitement experienced as a consequence of the extraordinary sporting triumph preceding it, is something that should be valued in a public trial.”
Rubiales is also under investigation for corruption in connection with a deal involving Saudi Arabia hosting the Super Cup. LaLiga President Javier Tebas recently defended hosting the annual match in Saudi Arabia, citing its positive impact on Spanish football.
While Rubiales is reportedly in the Dominican Republic, he has expressed intentions to return to Spain soon.