28 August 2023 , 14:01
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Spanish prosecutors have opened a preliminary sexual assault investigation into Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the World Cup final.
Rubiales has been widely criticised for his actions and was provisionally suspended by FIFA over the weekend. Hermoso says the kiss was not consensual and players, politicians and fans have all called for Rubiales to resign.
However, he has so far refused to step down and the Spanish FA have threatened legal action against Hermoso. Now, an investigation has been opened into Rubiales' actions, with a statement from the Spanish national court reading: "Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault."
Rubiales' mother Angeles Bejar has locked herself in a church in his hometown of Motril and is on hunger strike over the "inhuman" treatment of her son. Bejar told Spanish news agency EFE the strike was "indefinite" and was being done to highlight the "inhuman hunt" against her son.
Rubiales' cousin Vanessa Ruiz added: "We are suffering a lot for him. He has been judged before his time. They don't stop harassing us. We had to leave our house. We want them to leave us alone and for Jenni to tell the truth. It's not fair."
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FIFA's provisional suspension will last an initial period of 90 days, with Rubiales and the Spanish FA ordered not to contact Hermoso either directly or through intermediaries.
Hermoso has accused them of a "manipulative, hostile and controlling culture" and a total of 81 players signed a letter stating they will not accept national team call-ups while Rubiales remains in situ.
Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso after Spain won the World Cup final (Noe Llamas/SPP/REX/Shutterstock)The world champions; next match is scheduled to be away to Sweden in the Women's Nations League on September 22. Spain's coaching staff, with the exception of head coach Jorge Vilda, have resigned en masse.
Vilda issued a statement on Saturday criticising Rubiales’ behaviour in Sydney, describing it as "inappropriate" and "unacceptable", but he did not tender his resignation. Rubiales said on Friday he had been the victim of a "social assassination" and stated loudly and repeatedly "I am not going to resign" to rounds of applause at an extraordinary general assembly.
FIFA's decision to suspend Rubiales from all football activity means he is also currently unable to carry out his duties as a UEFA executive committee member and vice-president. European football's governing body has yet to comment on the case.