Hermoso files criminal complaint over Rubiales kiss

Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso has lodged a criminal complaint over the unsolicited kiss by football federation boss Luis Rubiales after Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup, the national prosecutor's office said on Wednesday.

Hermoso gave her testimony on Tuesday and the complaint will be processed "as soon as possible", the prosecutor added.

With the complaint, Rubiales could face criminal charges in addition to the ongoing inquiryby Spain's top sport court for "serious misconduct" and an investigation by FIFA, which has provisionally suspended Rubiales from office for 90 days.

Neither Hermoso's representatives nor Rubiales were immediately available for comment.

Rubiales grabbed Hermoso's head and kissed her on the lips during the medal-giving ceremony that followed Spain's 1-0 victory over England in the Women's World Cup final on Aug. 20.

Women hold placards, depicting red card in football, that read "Stop Violence against Women" during a protest against Royal Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales and in support of the player Jenni Hermoso at Sant Jaume Square in Barcelona on September 4, 2023. Photo: Reuters

Late last month, the prosecutor for Spain's High Court said Rubiales could face a sexual assault charge, which carries a prison term of between one and four years, if Hermoso, who lives and plays in Mexico, were to file a complaint.

The High Court has jurisdiction over the case as the incident took place abroad - in Sydney, Australia.

Hermoso said she did not want to be kissed, and that she felt "vulnerable and a victim of an aggression". Rubiales, who has so far refused to resign despite heavy pressure, said the kiss was "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric and consensual".

Rubiales' behaviour has sparked outrage in Spain and abroad. He also grabbed his crotch while standing close to Spain's Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter during the final.

The Spanish men's team criticised the country's football boss on Monday for his "unacceptable behaviour", but one of the team's captains, Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal, sparked criticism later for arguably questioning Hermoso's status as victim in an interview for Spanish radio Onda Cero.

"That are legal bodies that are considering whether Jennifer is really a victim of something that is being investigated. There are people who have to decide whether there is an offender and a victim," Carvajal said on Tuesday.

"So we can't take a position or condemn one side or the other beforehand without really knowing what has happened, what has been stipulated, because Jennifer has not yet filed a complaint," he added, unaware that Hermoso had met with prosecutors and filed a criminal complaint earlier in the day.

In an effort to explain his words in a press conference on Wednesday, Carvajal went further and said that "Rubiales should be supported in the same way as Jenni Hermoso" in this process.

"I can understand that Jenni is going through a bad time, we have to show my solidarity. However, I don't think the president is having a good time either. I am not here to judge anyone," Carvajal said.

"The presumption of innocence is a constitutional right. You cannot victimise or blame anyone."

Women's team coach Jorge Vilda, a close ally of Rubiales, was sacked on Tuesday. The RFEF later announced it had appointed Montse Tome to succeed Vilda, making her the first woman to manage the side.