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Luis Rubiales found guilty over kissing Jenni Hermoso after Women's World Cup final [Post Updated #50]

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Spain's entire coaching staff from their World Cup win, except for manager Jorge Vilda, have resigned over the Luis Rubiales row.

Assistant managers Montse Tome, Javier Lerga and Eugenio Gonzalo Martin, along with physio Blanca Romero Moraleda and goalkeeper coach Carlos Sanchez, have all quit.

Six others involved with the national side at various age levels have also resigned.

Spanish FA president Rubiales was suspended on Saturday by Fifa after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips following the Women's World Cup final victory over England in Sydney.

In a statement, the coaching staff said: "Those named below express their firm and resounding condemnation of the conduct shown by the RFEF president.

"He offered a story that does not reflect in any way what was felt by Jenni Hermoso, who has expressly stated that she felt she was the 'victim of aggression'.

"Given the unacceptable attitudes and statements made by the president, they have made the decision to relieve themselves of their duties."

The head coach of Spain's men's team, Luis de la Fuente, who on Friday clapped Rubiales when he gave a speech saying he would not resign, issued a statement on Saturday criticising him.

"The behaviour of Luis Rubiales did not respect the minimum protocol that must be followed in these celebratory acts," De la Fuente said.

"They are not edifying or appropriate for a person who was representing all of Spanish football. He himself has publicly acknowledged the inappropriateness of his behaviour."

Rubiales has refused to resign over the incident and the RFEF has said it will take legal action over Hermoso's "lies".

She has said the kiss was non-consensual, but the 33-year-old's version of events is disputed by Rubiales.

Earlier on Saturday, Fifa announced its decision to "provisionally suspend Mr Luis Rubiales from all football-related activities at national and international level".

In response, the RFEF said Rubiales would "legally defend himself".

Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old president on Thursday.

Football's world governing body has also ordered Rubiales or any representative of the federation (RFEF) to refrain from attempting to contact Hermoso.

A torrid week for Spanish football
20 August - During the ceremony following the World Cup final, Spanish forward Hermoso is first embraced and then kissed on the lips by Rubiales.

Hermoso later reacts to the kiss during a live stream and says she "did not enjoy" it.

21 August - Rubiales issues an apology saying he is "sorry for those who were offended" after being fiercely criticised by other footballers, the media and even by the Spanish prime minister, some of whom called on him to step down.

24 August - Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings to examine Rubiales' actions.

25 August - A defiant Rubiales insists at a RFEF emergency meeting that he will not resign, and calls the kiss "consensual".

25 August - The Spanish government says it is beginning legal proceedings seeking to suspend Rubiales, with the Spanish secretary of sport saying he "wants this to be Spanish football's MeToo moment".

25 August - Later that day, Hermoso releases a statement on Instagram rebuffing Rubiales' claims, saying that "at no time... was his kiss ever consensual".

25 August - 81 Spanish players - including all 23 players who went to the Women's World Cup - announce they will not play for the Spain's women's team until Rubiales is removed from his position.

26 August - The Spanish football federation says it will take legal action against Hermoso over her "lies" about the kiss.

26 August - Fifa announces it is provisionally suspending Rubiales pending the outcome of its disciplinary proceedings.

26 August - Mass resignation of coaches is announced, in protest at Rubiales conduct.
 
A kiss on the lips, a growing backlash and mass resignations among coaching staff: BBC Sport's Spanish football expert Guillem Balague reflects on a tumultuous week for the sport and for Spain's society as a whole.

This is the Spanish MeToo moment.

It's an opportunity to focus everybody's attention on the treatment of women in football - and on the frustration at what many see as systemic blindness at the top of an elite organisation, the Spanish football federation.

Jenni Hermoso is being backed not just by female players, but male players too - although perhaps not as much as hoped.

It's caused a storm in football, which has turned into a social tsunami. It feels like wherever you are, everyone is talking about it, and in Spain it's the number one story every day.

It's a story about a man - Luis Rubiales - who appears completely out of touch with reality, a man long followed by acolytes and surrounded by supporters with an apparently identical world view.

But now, this influential group has become a minority.

Their defiance on this issue has left many people incredulous - and in Spain, they are looking exposed.

The coaching staff of the women's national side has resigned, but notably not the manager Jorge Vilda, who was - alongside other senior figures in Spanish football - spotted clapping when Rubiales was talking yesterday.

This has not gone unnoticed by the Spanish public.

Remember that the players were not just asking for Rubiales to go, but for other members of the federation to go too. These women who have conquered the world see this moment as an opportunity to move aside anyone they think is standing in the way of their mission to achieve unflinching respect and equality.

For many people, this is about how discrimination against women functions. It not just done by one person; it is done by a system.

And in Spain, this episode shows how the battle lines have been drawn.

It's a battle being taken up at the very highest level.

President Pedro Sanchez has no fear proclaiming himself a feminist. In the Spanish sporting groups I circulate in, people feel they must intervene - that action must be taken.

And beyond that, the feeling is Spain must take advantage of this moment, which has intensified so quickly and is capturing headlines around the world.

One week ago, we were celebrating a historic World Cup victory. That has quickly soured, some say. It's been a whirlwind of success and recrimination, of holding to account - and of sheer defiance.

But there is one thing people on every side agree on: this is one of the most important weeks for Spain in living memory.

For many people, it's an opportunity to move into a better place. For others it's a chance to set the record straight - as they see it.

It's difficult to exaggerate how influential Rubiales was. His defiance suggests he may have felt safety in that influence.

But the voices against him have multiplied, starting with Jenni Hermoso and her fellow players and then snowballing into their coaching staff, the men's game and the newspapers. Now, this is being talked about around almost every single dinner table in Spain.

He may not feel so safe any more.

BBC
 
This is one of the most bizarre and weird news stories in a while. What's going on over there in Spain... :ROFLMAO:
 
Spain head coach Jorge Vilda criticises 'inappropriate' Luis Rubiales kiss.

Spain's Women's World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda has criticised suspended football federation president Luis Rubiales, calling the moment he kissed squad member Jennifer Hermoso "inappropriate and unacceptable".

Rubiales was suspended by Fifa on Saturday after Hermoso said the kiss prior to the team lifting the trophy was not consensual.

Vilda's entire coaching staff have resigned in protests against Rubiales, but Vilda himself has not stepped down despite his latest comments.

The coach was spotted applauding at the Spanish federation's extraordinary general assembly on Friday, when Rubiales gave an emphatic speech in which he repeatedly insisted he would not resign and claimed to be the victim of "social assassination".

The two had been allies after Rubiales stood by Vilda in September 2022 when 15 national-team players pulled out of the squad, saying that the manager's management was affecting their emotional state and health.

Vilda released a statement on Saturday night, saying: "I regret deeply that the victory of Spanish women's football has been harmed by the inappropriate behaviour that our until now top leader, Luis Rubiales, has carried out and that he himself has recognised.

"There is no doubt that it is unacceptable and does not reflect at all the principles and values that I defend in my life, in sport in general and in football in particular.

"I condemn without doubt any macho attitude, [which should be] far from an advanced and developed society.

"I reiterate my unwavering commitment to promoting a sport that is a model of equality and respect in our society."

Fifa has provisionally suspended 46-year-old Rubiales, a former La Liga player for Levante, from any football-related activities for an initial 90 days.

Spain's government has also started legal proceedings as they aim to suspend him.

Vilda is now the only coach from the women's national team who remains in place, with assistant managers Montse Tome, Javier Lerga and Eugenio Gonzalo Martin, physio Blanca Romero Moraleda and goalkeeping coach Carlos Sanchez all having quit their posts earlier on Saturday.

Some 81 Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, said they would not play for the team again while Rubiales was in charge.

Rubiales had claimed the kiss with Pachuca forward Hermoso, 33, was consensual, something she strongly denied in a statement.

The RFEF then launched a remarkable statement on Friday night threatening legal action against Hermoso for her "lies".

That statement was later altered following Rubiales' suspension but still carries the threat of legal action against "each falsehood that is spread".

Like Vilda, the men's national team boss, Luis de la Fuente, also applauded Rubiales' speech on Friday before issuing a statement criticising him.


https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66631172
 
Western culture is so messed up.

A kiss on both sides of the cheek? ‘Not a problem’.

A kiss on the lips? ‘Check his hard drive’.
 
Luis Rubiales: Spanish FA activates 'sexual violence protocol' after Jenni Hermoso kiss.

An internal investigation has been launched by Spain's football federation after its Sexual Violence Protocol was activated.

Federation president Luis Rubiales has been suspended by Fifa after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup win.

The two parties have disputed whether the kiss last Sunday was consensual.

Maria Dolores Martinez Madrona, the protocol's protection delegate, said the matter is now being investigated.

"Our protocol is currently activated and in the midst of investigating the events, thus we demand the utmost respect for the right to privacy and dignity of all individuals involved," she said in a letter published by the federation (RFEF).

"As the protection delegate for sexual violence, my duty is to adhere to the protocol and safeguard the privacy of those affected by this incident and of the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee."

The protocol is activated once a complaint is submitted and means the protection delegate, a position currently held by female referee Madrona, will then meet with the affected parties.

In its most recent statement issued late on Friday, the RFEF threatened legal action against Hermoso, 33.

www.bbc.com

Spanish FA launches investigation into Rubiales kiss

An internal investigation is launched at Spain's football federation after its Sexual Violence Protocol is activated.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
An internal investigation has been launched by Spain's football federation after its sexual violence protocol was activated.

Federation president Luis Rubiales has been suspended by Fifa after kissing forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup win.

Hermoso, 33, has said the kiss after last Sunday's game was not consensual.

Maria Dolores Martinez Madrona, the protocol's protection delegate, said the matter is now being investigated.

"Our protocol is currently activated and in the midst of investigating the events, thus we demand the utmost respect for the right to privacy and dignity of all individuals involved," she said in a letter published by the federation (RFEF).

"As the protection delegate for sexual violence, my duty is to adhere to the protocol and safeguard the privacy of those affected by this incident and of the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee."
 
Luis Rubiales: Spanish prosecutors open preliminary investigation into kiss by federation president

Spain's top criminal court has opened a preliminary investigation into the country's football federation president Luis Rubiales after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

The prosecutors are looking into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault.

Rubiales, 46, has been widely criticised after the incident following Spain's Women's World Cup final win.

Hermoso, 33, said the kiss was not consensual.

Rubiales was suspended on Saturday by world football's governing body Fifa.

The previous day, Rubiales had insisted he would not resign.

The court said it was opening the investigation in light of the "unequivocal nature" of Hermoso's statements, saying it was necessary "to determine their legal significance".

"Given the public statements made by Jennifer Hermoso, the sexual act she was subjected to by Luis Rubiales was not consensual," a statement said.

Legal experts will also contact the player "to offer her the option of legal action, giving her the chance 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 added: "In order to proceed with a case for sexual assault, harassment or sexual abuse, it will be necessary for the injured party or their legal representative to file suit, or the public prosecutors' office."


BBC
 
YousafTheBeast said:
Western culture is so messed up.

A kiss on both sides of the cheek? ‘Not a problem’.

A kiss on the lips? ‘Check his hard drive’.
Click to expand...

This is one of the issues with liberal secular ideology, where do you draw the line?

If it was a woman heads coach doing to the captain of mens team, we wouldnt hear a peep.

Lets be real, the womens world cup is used to press a certain agenda, same pay, feminism etc.

There is more important news, watching womens football is like watching under 12s.
 
In the West, come midnight on New Years, the tradition is people kiss each other on the lips, on the streets, at parties, and at random people.

But a man kissing a woman out of sheer Euphoria of winning a world cup, is the problem.
 
Jorge Vilda: Spanish FA exploring options to sack World Cup-winning head coach

The Spanish Football Federation is exploring its options over whether it can sack Women's World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda.

Vilda remains in post despite most of his coaching staff resigning in protest against federation president Luis Rubiales' refusal to quit for kissing squad member Jenni Hermoso after their World Cup win on 20 August.

Eighty-one Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, have also said they would not play for the team again while Rubiales remained in position.

Vilda was spotted applauding Rubiales at the Spanish federation's (RFEF) extraordinary general assembly on Friday, when Rubiales repeatedly insisted he would not resign, though Vilda has since criticised his behaviour.

The RFEF believes all those incidents combined may give them enough of a case to sack Vilda.

Federation regional leaders held an extraordinary general meeting with interim president Pedro Rocha on Monday where they called for a restructuring of the federation to start a new era.

However, a third of the local football association bosses do not want to push Rubiales out of a job so they only went as far as releasing a statement calling on him to resign, which he has so far refused to do.

Rubiales stood by Vilda in September 2022 when 15 national-team players pulled out of the squad, saying that Vilda's management was affecting their emotional state and health.

Of those 15, only three opted to return to the Spain squad which went on to beat England in the final in Sydney.

Rubiales, 46, has been widely criticised after the incident that followed that match. Hermoso, 33, said the kiss on her lips was not consensual.

Spanish prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault, while Rubiales was suspended on Saturday by world football's governing body Fifa.

www.bbc.com

Spanish FA exploring options to sack Vilda

The Spanish Football Federation is exploring its options over whether it can sack Women's World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Spanish football president in kissing row denies new misogyny allegations.

Tamara Ramos claims Luis Rubiales asked what colour her underwear was when they worked together.

Spain’s football federation president, Luis Rubiales, was at the centre of new misogyny allegations on Wednesday, as he faces growing calls to be sacked for kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips after the country’s World Cup victory.

The country’s football federation (RFEF) chief, 46, has been widely condemned for planting a kiss on the lips of the footballer after her team’s 1-0 triumph over England in the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday.

The general director of the Futbolistas ON players’ union, Tamara Ramos, has now alleged that Rubiales made obscene comments to her when they worked together at the Spanish footballers’ association, including asking what colour her underwear was.

The allegations have been strongly denied by the Spanish football federation.

Spain’s acting prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has described the incident involving Hermoso as “unacceptable” while the Spanish government has demanded transparency and urgent action from the football federation.

Spain’s women’s football league, La Liga F, joined the growing calls for Rubiales to resign and cited TV footage after the final which appeared to show him grabbing his genitals with both hands to celebrate Spain’s victory.

It said in a statement on Wednesday: “The Professional Women’s Football League has lodged a complaint with the president of the Superior Sports Council (CSD) after the very serious actions and behaviour of the president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, at the final of the Women’s World Cup, and is calling for his dismissal.

“One of the greatest feats in the history of Spanish sport has been tainted by the embarrassing behaviour of the highest representative of Spanish football who, once again, and guided by his continuous and habitual desire for the spotlight, has revealed to not be up to the position he occupies,” the women’s league added.

“A boss grabbing his employee by the head and kissing her on the mouth simply cannot be tolerated. It’s not just about the kiss. Celebrating the triumph on the presidential balcony while holding his genitals next to the queen is unacceptable and disgusting.

“It’s an incident which has entered the history of world sport and, more seriously still, will for ever be linked to our national women’s team.”

Rubiales initially hit back at his critics, before eventually apologising, but the criticism of his behaviour has not abated.

Victor Francos, Spain’s secretary of sport and president of the CSD, said the council would take action if the Royal Spanish Football Federation did not by raising the case with Spain’s administrative court for sports.

The kiss, which Hermoso later said she “didn’t like”, was described as a “form of sexual violence” by the acting minister of equality, Irene Montero, while the Netherlands-based players’ union Fifpro described it as “not appropriate or acceptable in any context”.

Earlier on Wednesday, US footballer Megan Rapinoe attacked the “deep level of misogyny and sexism” in the Spanish football federation, in an interview with the Atlantic.

In response to the claims by Ramos, The RFEF said it “regrets and denounces the very serious and false accusations made by Tamara Ramos, a former co-worker of president Luis Rubiales when he headed the AFE union”.

The statement added: “In addition, immediate legal measures have been taken on the understanding that statements of such magnitude and so defamatory cannot be tolerated that the only thing they want is to damage the image of Luis Rubiales by taking advantage of the current media current.

“It is pertinent to report that Ms Ramos has also maintained personal contact with president Luis Rubiales throughout this time and has even sent him family images, congratulated him on his birthday, and even recently requested a job in the federation.

“We totally condemn the aforementioned statements, which we consider inadmissible, announcing at the same time the filing of the appropriate criminal actions against Ms Ramos.”

www.theguardian.com

Spanish football president in kissing row denies new misogyny allegations

Tamara Ramos claims Luis Rubiales asked what colour her underwear was when they worked together
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales has said he will continue defending himself "to prove the truth".

Rubiales, 46, has been widely criticised after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain's Women's World Cup final win on 20 August.

Hermoso said the kiss during the medal ceremony was not consensual.

Rubiales has been suspended by world football's governing body Fifa, but repeatedly refused to resign.

"I will continue to defend myself to prove the truth," he said in a statement on Friday, his first public comments since 25 August, when he refused to step down at an extraordinary general assembly called by the football federation.


BBC
 
Spain's men's players have condemned the "unacceptable behaviour" of federation president Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales, 46, has been widely criticised after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain's Women's World Cup final win last month.

Rubiales has repeatedly refused to resign over the kiss, which Hermoso said was not consensual.

The men's side have expressed their "regret and solidarity with the players whose success has been tarnished".

"We want to reject what we consider unacceptable behaviour on the part of Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents," said forward Alvaro Morata in a statement on behalf of the Spain squad.

"We firmly and unequivocally stand on the side of the values that this sport represents.

"Spanish football must be a driving force for respect, inspiration, inclusion, and diversity and must set an example with its behaviour both on and off the field."

Luis de la Fuente, head coach of the men's team, last week asked for "forgiveness" after initially applauding a speech in which Rubiales said he would not resign.


BBC
 
Jorge Vilda, Spain's Women's World Cup-winning head coach, has been sacked amid the ongoing Luis Rubiales scandal.

Spain's win was overshadowed by the country's football federation president Rubiales kissing forward Jenni Hermoso, which she said was not consensual.

Most of Vilda's coaching staff resigned and 81 players refused to play for Spain in the aftermath.

Rubiales has refused to resign but has been provisionally suspended by Fifa, football's world governing body.

In a statement, Spanish federation the RFEF did not give a specific reason for Vilda's dismissal, saying he had been "a promoter of the values of respect and sportsmanship in football".

However, the RFEF has been exploring whether it could sack 42-year-old Vilda - considered a close ally of Rubiales - since last week.

The RFEF called the move "one of the first renewal measures" announced by interim president Pedro Rocha, who has taken on the role while Rubiales is suspended by Fifa.

Vilda was spotted applauding Rubiales at the RFEF's extraordinary general assembly earlier in August - when Rubiales repeatedly insisted he would not resign and said he would offer Vilda a new deal - though he has since criticised his behaviour.

"The RFEF appreciates [Vilda's] work at the head of the national team and in his functions as the head of sports for the women's teams, as well as the successes achieved during his time crowned with the recent achievement of the World Cup," said the RFEF.

"We value his impeccable personal and sporting conduct, being a key piece in the notable growth of women's football in Spain."


www.bbc.com

Vilda sacked as Spain boss amid Rubiales scandal

Jorge Vilda, Spain's Women's World Cup-winning head coach, has been sacked amid the ongoing Luis Rubiales kiss row.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain's World Cup final win, which she says was not consensual.

Rubiales claims the kiss was "mutual and "consensual", but has been provisionally suspended by football's world governing body Fifa.

The complaint means the 46-year-old could face criminal charges.

On 29 August, Spanish prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault.

At the time, Spain's top criminal court said it was opening its investigation in light of the "unequivocal nature" of 33-year-old Hermoso's statements, saying it was necessary "to determine their legal significance".

"Given the public statements made by Jennifer Hermoso, the sexual act she was subjected to by Luis Rubiales was not consensual," a statement said.

It added that legal experts would also contact her "to offer her the option of legal action, giving her the chance 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".

The statement added: "In order to proceed with a case for sexual assault, harassment or sexual abuse, it will be necessary for the injured party or their legal representative to file suit, or the public prosecutors' office."

It is reported Hermoso filed her complaint on Tuesday.

Speaking in an interview with Spanish radio Onda Cero on Tuesday, he said: "There 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."

Attempting to explain his comments on Wednesday, Carvajal said that "Rubiales should be supported in the same way as Jenni Hermoso" in this process.

He added: "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.

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

www.bbc.com

Hermoso files legal complaint over Rubiales kiss

Jenni Hermoso has filed a legal complaint over the kiss by Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after the Women's World Cup final.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
A prosecutor has filed a complaint with Spain's high court against suspended football federation president Luis Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion.

Rubiales kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup final win, which she says was not consensual.

Hermoso filed a legal complaint over the kiss on Tuesday.

It is now up to the court to present formal charges against the 46-year-old.

Hermoso's complaint was one of sexual assault but prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil has also added an allegation of coercion when filing to the high court.

A statement from the prosecutor's office said Hermoso told Gil that her relatives had suffered pressure from Rubiales and his "professional entourage" to say that she "justified and approved what happened".

"The prosecutors request that Luis Rubiales be questioned as an accused and Jenni Hermoso as a victim," the prosecutor's office added.

It also requests that information is gathered from authorities in Australia - where the incident took place.

Prior to the kiss, Rubiales had been seen grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain's 1-0 win over England in Sydney.

A high court judge will now assess the complaint and decide whether to accept or archive the request. If accepted, a magistrate will be assigned to lead an investigation, which will conclude either with a recommendation for the case to go to trial or be dismissed.

The charge of sexual assault under Spanish law can carry a punishment ranging from a fine to four years in prison.

"The high court often tackles crimes with an international dimension, such as terrorism or organised crime. It is involved in this case because the alleged assault by Mr Rubiales took place in Australia," BBC Madrid correspondent Guy Hedgecoe explained.

Spanish prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation on 28 August, looking into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault.

At the time, Spain's top criminal court said it was opening its investigation in light of the "unequivocal nature" of 33-year-old Hermoso's statements, saying it was necessary "to determine their legal significance".

Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) regional leaders called on Rubiales to resign last month but he has refused to step down since the incident, telling an extraordinary general assembly "I will not resign, I will not resign", and claiming "a social assassination is taking place".

Football's world governing body Fifa provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days and opened disciplinary proceedings against him.

World Cup-winning manager Jorge Vilda was sacked on 5 September amid the ongoing scandal.

Politicians, footballers and celebrities have spoken out against Rubiales, while protesters gathered at the RFEF headquarters to demand his resignation.
 
Jenni Hermoso back in training for first time since filing Luis Rubiales legal complaint.

Spain's top sports court is also investigating Rubiales for 'serious misconduct'. The RFEF has apologised for the "enormous damage" caused by the Rubiales scandal and tried to distance itself from the suspended president.

Hermoso is also hoping to put the saga to the back of her mind after returning to training with Mexican side Pachuca. She was given a warm welcome by her club teammates, who held up a banner that read "We are with you Jenni" last month.

"Full of enthusiasm and joy was the return to training of our World Champion, Jenni Hermoso," wrote Pachuca on Instagram. "On Sunday, everyone to give our love and appreciation to our No.10 at the Hidalgo (Pachuca's home ground)."


Mirror
 
Luis Rubiales resigns as president of Spanish FA over Jenni Hermoso kiss.

Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final presentation ceremony.

Hermoso, 33, said the kiss after Spain beat England was not consensual and she filed a legal complaint last Tuesday.

He released a statement saying he had submitted his resignation to federation acting president Pedro Rocha.

"I cannot continue my work," Rubiales said on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored'.

The 46-year-old has also resigned from his position as vice-president of Uefa's executive committee.


BBC
 
He had the option to resign early but instead, he chose to create a lot of drama and now he has finally decided to step down.
 
Luis Rubiales: Spanish judge opens investigation into former Spanish FA president over Jenni Hermoso kiss.

Last week, Prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil filed a complaint with Spain's high court against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion.

On Monday, Judge Francisco de Jorge of the National Court accepted the complaint.

A magistrate will be assigned to lead an investigation, which will conclude either with a recommendation for the case to go to trial or be dismissed.

The charge of sexual assault under Spanish law can carry a punishment ranging from a fine to four years in prison.

Pachuca player Hermoso released a long statement on social media on 25 August saying the kiss was not "consensual".

"I feel the need to report this incident because I believe no person, in any work, sports or social setting should be a victim of these types of non-consensual behaviours. I felt vulnerable and a victim of impulsive-driven, sexist, out-of-place act, without any consent on my part," she continued.


BBC
 
Luis Rubiales: Former Spanish FA president to appear in court over Jenni Hermoso kiss

Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales will appear in a Madrid court on Friday over his kiss of Spain forward Jenni Hermoso.

Hermoso filed a legal complaint last week over Rubiales kissing her on the lips following her country's Women's World Cup final win on 20 August.

Rubiales has been summoned by a high court judge to respond to accusations of sexual assault and coercion.

He will appear before a magistrate at 12:00 local time (11:00 BST).

Hermoso, 33, said the kiss was not consensual, while Rubiales has claimed it was "mutual" and "consensual" and again defended his actions in an interview with Piers Morgan, which was aired on Tuesday on Talk TV.

www.bbc.com

Rubiales to appear in court over Hermoso kiss

Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales is summoned to appear in high court on Friday over his kiss of Spain's Jenni Hermoso.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 
A judge has banned Spain's ex-football chief Luis Rubiales from going within 200m of footballer Jenni Hermoso.

Prosecutors asked for the restraining order as the national court in Madrid considered a criminal complaint of sexual assault and coercion.

Appearing in court for the first time, Mr Rubiales denied sexually assaulting Ms Hermoso by kissing her on the lips after Spain's Women's World Cup win.

Ms Hermoso's lawyer was adamant it was a "non-consensual kiss".

+++

I wonder if his mum is still continuing her hunger strike :ROFLMAO:
 
Possibly the strangest news story of the year.
 
Spanish players to continue women's national team boycott until FA undergoes more changes

The majority of Spain's World Cup-winning squad will continue their boycott of the national team until further changes are made, saying they do not yet "feel in a safe place".

Last month's win was overshadowed by the federation's president Luis Rubiales kissing forward Jenni Hermoso after the final.

The fall out eventually led to Rubiales' resignation.

But a total of 39 Spanish women's players say more needs to be done.

The Spanish football federation later on Friday expressed their commitment to change being made "to restore the functioning of the entity".

That came after a statement by the Spain players, which includes 21 of the 23 members of the World Cup-winning squad, read: "The changes that have occurred are not enough for the players to feel in a safe place, where women are respected, where there is a commitment to women's football and where we can give our maximum performance.

"The players of the Spanish team are professionals, and what fills us most with pride is wearing the shirt of our team and always leading our country to the highest positions.

"For this reason, we believe that it is time to fight to show that these situations and practices have no place in our football or in our society and that the current structure needs changes.

"We do it so that the next generations can have a much more equal game that we all deserve."

According to the statement, the players are calling for:

- A restructuring of the Spanish football federation
- Resignation of the temporary president
- A different organisation of women's football, new general secretary and presidency cabinet
- A new media department
- New thinking about the integrity department
 
The bloke has gone but the feminists are never satisfied.

Women's football is poor standards, its been highly publicised for this agenda.
 
KingKhanWC said:
The bloke has gone but the feminists are never satisfied.

Women's football is poor standards, its been highly publicised for this agenda.
Click to expand...

I think it's analogous to 'the Pakistan COAS changes with another,' nothing really fundamentally changes. Still the same culture, still the same system

I think it's fair enough that they ask for a different setup and a change of culture. But of course, they should not overdo it as well.
 
Asad T said:
I think it's analogous to 'the Pakistan COAS changes with another,' nothing really fundamentally changes. Still the same culture, still the same system

I think it's fair enough that they ask for a different setup and a change of culture. But of course, they should not overdo it as well.
Click to expand...

One man overstepped the mark if the lady was not giving any consent.

The females want equal pay bro on all levels, this is their ultimate goal. FIFA have said in tournaments they will be paid the same but they want same pay in leagues too, this is difficult as they simply dont bring in the same revenue.
 
KingKhanWC said:
One man overstepped the mark if the lady was not giving any consent.

The females want equal pay bro on all levels, this is their ultimate goal. FIFA have said in tournaments they will be paid the same but they want same pay in leagues too, this is difficult as they simply dont bring in the same revenue.
Click to expand...

Yes, i agree that equal pay here does not make any sense because they don't bring in the same revenue

On one man overstepping the mark: Yes, it was one man. But the Spanish Football Association took too long to get rid of him. I think that's why they are demanding more reforms. And I think there should be some more reforms in THAT regard, but not for equal pay. That does not make sense
 
Some of the Spain players who had said they are boycotting the national team have turned up for international duty.

Six players living in Madrid arrived at a hotel in the capital city before leaving to join up with the rest of the team in Valencia, where they will train before heading to Sweden on Thursday for a Nations League game.

The six include five players from Real Madrid - Olga Carmona, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final win over England, Misa Rodriguez, Oihane Hernandez, Teresa Abelleira and Athenea del Castillo, and Atletico Madrid forward Eva Navarro.


BBC
 
Spanish Football Federation secretary general sacked in wake of Rubiales kiss row.

The secretary general of the Spanish Football Federation has been sacked after it reached a deal with women players who threatened to boycott the national team.

Andreu Camps has been dismissed in the wake of the Luis Rubiales scandal.

The federation said it will not appoint a new general secretary and the secretary general's duties will be assumed on an interim basis by Elvira Andrés and Alfredo Olivares until an election can take place.


news.sky.com

Spanish Football Federation secretary general sacked in wake of Rubiales kiss row

Andreu Camps was fired as part of a deal to stop a potential boycott by the women's national team.
news.sky.com news.sky.com
 
FIFA banned ousted former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales from the sport for three years on Monday for misconduct at the Women’s World Cup final where he forcibly kissed a player on the lips at the trophy ceremony.

FIFA did not publish details of the verdict reached by its disciplinary committee judges, who had investigated charges relating to “basic rules of decent conduct” and “behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or FIFA into disrepute.”

Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s 1-0 victory over England on Aug. 20 in Sydney, Australia.

Minutes earlier, Rubiales grabbed his crotch as a victory gesture in the exclusive section of seats with Queen Letizia of Spain and 16-year-old Princess Sofía standing nearby.

Rubiales resigned from his jobs in soccer in September after weeks of defiance that increased pressure on him from the Spanish government and national team players.

Rubiales can request the verdict within 10 days and then file an appeal to FIFA, soccer’s world body said.

Source: ABC News
 
Jenni Hermoso: Spain forward received threats amid Luis Rubiales kiss controversy

Jenni Hermoso said she "received threats" amid the controversy of Luis Rubiales kissing her on the lips during the World Cup trophy presentation.

The kiss, which Hermoso says was not consensual, occurred after the Spain forward helped her country beat England in the final in August.

The incident sparked outcry and Rubiales eventually resigned as Spanish football federation (RFEF) president.

"These weeks have been very difficult," Hermoso told GQ magazine in Spain.

"Having to tell it over and over again was hurting me a lot. But I know I had to let it go somehow.

"I continue working on it with the help of my psychologist, who I have been with for many years.

"For me, mental health is as important as daily training and the hours I have to sleep to be able to go out on the field. Thanks to her I feel strong and I'm not shattered or thinking about not wanting to play football anymore. I have not lost my enthusiasm."

Rubiales was banned from going within 200 metres of Hermoso after she filed a legal complaint.

At a court case in Madrid, the former federation president denied sexually assaulting and coercing Hermoso.

Rubiales has also been banned from all football-related activities for three years by Fifa.

Hermoso added: "I've had to assume the consequences of an act that I did not provoke, that I had not chosen or premeditated.

"I have received threats, and that is something you never get used to."



www.bbc.com

Hermoso received threats amid Rubiales kiss controversy

Jenni Hermoso says she "received threats" amid the controversy of Luis Rubiales kissing her on the lips during the World Cup trophy presentation.
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FIFA considered more severe sanctions against Spain's ex-FA chief Rubiales

FIFA considered more severe sanctions than the three-year ban it imposed on former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, world soccer's governing body said on Wednesday when it published the written reasons for its decision.

Rubiales was banned for three years from all football-related activities on Oct. 30 after kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips, allegedly without consent, following Spain's Women's World Cup final win over England in August.

Rubiales was also seen grabbing his crotch in the VIP area after the final, next to the Spain's Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter.

"The Committee wished to stress that it was tempted to impose more severe sanctions in view of the seriousness and gravity of the incidents at stake as well as of the profound negative impact that the Respondent's actions had on the image of FIFA, women's football and women's sport in general," FIFA said.

It went on to say that with "strong hesitations" the Disciplinary Committee was satisfied that a three-year ban would serve the necessary deterrent effect.

When FIFA announced the sentence in October, Rubiales said he would appeal and accused FIFA of not giving him the chance to defend himself.

"I will go to the last resort to see that justice is done and that the truth shines through," he said in a statement via social media.

The Committee said that it could not ignore the impact of Rubiales' actions on Hermoso's mental health and her career, and also stated that Rubiales used his position to publish statements using quotes not written or authorised by the player.

The Committee emphasised that such a kiss, from the president of an association towards a player (of the opposite sex) of one of the national teams under his leadership and responsibility was completely unacceptable.

It stated that they were satisfied that there was no agreement between them on a potential kiss and that the player's behaviour prior to the kiss did not in any way imply that she may want or consent to be kissed.

The summary said that on several occasions, Rubiales violated the basic rules of decent conduct, used offensive gestures or behaved in a way that brought football into disrepute.

The report also included a submission by Debbie Hewitt, Chair of the Football Association, who said that during the medal ceremony Rubiales cupped and stroked the face of England player Laura Coombs and seemingly forcefully kissed Lucy Bronze on the face.

Rubiales responded to the statement saying that Coombs had been injured and was wearing a bandage on her head which is why he tried to comfort her and that Bronze was Super Cup champion in Spain and Rubiales had participated in the celebration.

FIFA said any party intending to appeal must announce its intention to do so in writing within three days of notification of the grounds of the decision.



 
Cricket Warrior said:
FIFA considered more severe sanctions against Spain's ex-FA chief Rubiales

FIFA considered more severe sanctions than the three-year ban it imposed on former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, world soccer's governing body said on Wednesday when it published the written reasons for its decision.

Rubiales was banned for three years from all football-related activities on Oct. 30 after kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips, allegedly without consent, following Spain's Women's World Cup final win over England in August.

Rubiales was also seen grabbing his crotch in the VIP area after the final, next to the Spain's Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter.

"The Committee wished to stress that it was tempted to impose more severe sanctions in view of the seriousness and gravity of the incidents at stake as well as of the profound negative impact that the Respondent's actions had on the image of FIFA, women's football and women's sport in general," FIFA said.

It went on to say that with "strong hesitations" the Disciplinary Committee was satisfied that a three-year ban would serve the necessary deterrent effect.

When FIFA announced the sentence in October, Rubiales said he would appeal and accused FIFA of not giving him the chance to defend himself.

"I will go to the last resort to see that justice is done and that the truth shines through," he said in a statement via social media.

The Committee said that it could not ignore the impact of Rubiales' actions on Hermoso's mental health and her career, and also stated that Rubiales used his position to publish statements using quotes not written or authorised by the player.

The Committee emphasised that such a kiss, from the president of an association towards a player (of the opposite sex) of one of the national teams under his leadership and responsibility was completely unacceptable.

It stated that they were satisfied that there was no agreement between them on a potential kiss and that the player's behaviour prior to the kiss did not in any way imply that she may want or consent to be kissed.

The summary said that on several occasions, Rubiales violated the basic rules of decent conduct, used offensive gestures or behaved in a way that brought football into disrepute.

The report also included a submission by Debbie Hewitt, Chair of the Football Association, who said that during the medal ceremony Rubiales cupped and stroked the face of England player Laura Coombs and seemingly forcefully kissed Lucy Bronze on the face.

Rubiales responded to the statement saying that Coombs had been injured and was wearing a bandage on her head which is why he tried to comfort her and that Bronze was Super Cup champion in Spain and Rubiales had participated in the celebration.

FIFA said any party intending to appeal must announce its intention to do so in writing within three days of notification of the grounds of the decision.



Click to expand...

His problems don't seem to be ending soon.

Poor Rubiales!
 
Spain's Hermoso testifies World Cup kiss was not consensual


Spanish World Cup-winning footballer Jenni Hermoso has testified to a Madrid court that a kiss from former football federation president Luis Rubiales was "not consensual".

He grabbed Ms Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips after the World Cup final last year.

A judge will now decide whether Mr Rubiales should be tried for sexual assault and coercion.

"All is in the hands of justice, that's all I can say," she told reporters.

The former federation chief denies the allegations.

Ms Hermoso, Spain's top scorer, testified to the court for around two and a half hours, and according to Spanish media she told the judge the kiss was "unexpected and at no time consensual".

Her evidence was said to have reiterated testimony given several months ago to prosecutors that was then leaked to Spanish TV,

The court is examining evidence including CCTV footage to decide whether to take her criminal complaint of sexual assault and coercion to trial.

The kiss took place during the medal ceremony in Sydney on 20 August last year, following Spain's win over England.

Hermoso says image tarnished by World Cup kiss
Hermoso received threats amid Rubiales kiss scandal
A statement issued shortly after the final that was attributed to Ms Hermoso had indicated the kiss had been consensual. But she later complained of being pressured by officials of the Spanish football federation to put her name to the statement.

Mr Rubiales is being investigated for possible coercion over his role in the alleged pressure on Ms Hermoso.

Jorge Vilda, the coach who led the team to World Cup glory before being sacked shortly afterwards, is also being investigated along with Albert Luque and Rubén Rivera, both federation executives.

Ms Hermoso said she did not want to be kissed and that she felt that she had been a "victim of assault". Under Spanish law a kiss without consent can be deemed a form of sexual assault.

Mr Rubiales has always maintained the kiss was a "consensual peck" but in the wake of the incident he was forced to resign as president of the Spanish football federation.

Prosecutors opened an investigation and last September he was barred by investigating judge Francisco de Jorge from going within 200m (650ft) of the footballer.

In a statement to prosecutors leaked to Spanish TV in October, Ms Hermoso said that "clearly I felt disrespected" as a player and a person.

"I didn't do anything to land myself in that situation... how could I expect it in that scenario of a medal ceremony at a World Cup final?"

Ms Hermoso, 33, announced on Monday that she was changing clubs. She is leaving Mexico's Pachuca, where she has played since 2022, for Tigres UANL, the country's most successful women's side.

Her role in the controversy has made her a prominent public figure beyond the football world.

On New Year's Eve, she was a guest of national broadcaster TVE. She said she was grateful for "this change we are bringing about in terms of equality and solidarity", and she congratulated her Spain teammates for "the empowerment we have achieved".

Source : BBC Sports
 
Judge proposes Spain's Luis Rubiales face trial over Hermoso World Cup kiss

A Spanish judge has proposed that former football federation president Luis Rubiales should stand trial over the women's World Cup kiss involving captain Jenni Hermoso.

Mr Rubiales grabbed Ms Hermoso's head and kissed her during the presentation after Spain's victory in Australia.

She said the kiss was "not consensual", a statement denied by Mr Rubiales.

A judge has found there is enough evidence for the matter to proceed to trial.

During a hearing at the Audencia Nacional, or High Court, in Madrid, the judge described the kiss as "not consensual and... a unilateral and surprising initiative".

Prosecutors previously charged Mr Rubiales with sexual assault and coercion.

Penalties for such a kiss range from a fine to four years in prison.

The incident has involved several Spanish football executives including Ms Hermoso's former coach, a former marketing manager and the sports director of the men's team.

Jorge Vilda, Rubén Rivera and Albert Luque are accused of pressuring Ms Hermoso to say publicly the kiss had been consensual.

The judge in Madrid said the trio should also stand trial.

Lawyers involved in the proceedings now have 10 days to make a formal trial request before a court.

Ms Hermoso, Spain's top scorer, testified before the court investigating her allegation for more than two-and-a-half hours earlier in January.

According to Spanish media, she said the kiss was "unexpected and at no time consensual".

A statement issued shortly after the final that was attributed to Ms Hermoso had indicated the kiss had been consensual. But she later complained of being pressured by officials of the Spanish football federation to put her name to the statement.

The kiss took place during the medal ceremony in Sydney on 20 August last year, following Spain's win over England.

Mr Rubiales has always maintained the kiss was a "consensual peck", but in the wake of the incident, he was forced to resign as president of the Spanish football federation.

It set off a wave of global anger at sexism at the highest levels of women's sport.

Source: BBC

www.bbc.com

Judge proposes Spain's Luis Rubiales face trial over Hermoso World Cup kiss

An investigating court finds enough evidence to try Rubiales and three Spanish football executives.
www.bbc.com
 
How is this appropriate?

GHB-rqSbAAEaZi7
 
Female teams should only have female coaches/staffs. Male team should only have male coaches/staffs.

Men's games should only have male commentators/presenters/umpires. Female games should only have female commentators/presenters/umpires.

If these two things are ensured, this type of scandal can be prevented.

Most of these problems can easily be prevented with right decisions.
 
THE axed Spanish FA chief who planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lips should be jailed for two-and-a-half years, prosecutors say.

Disgraced Luis Rubiales should also pay £85,000 compensation to victim Jenni Hermoso if convicted of sexual assault and covering up the infamous “Kissgate” scandal.

The demands were laid out in a six-page indictment made public yesterday amid continuing fall-out 46-year-old Rubiales’s behaviour at the World Cup Final in Australia last year.

Prosecutors say his unseemly conduct - beamed worldwide on TV - warrants a one-year jail term for a sexual assault.

But they are also demanding a separate one-year and six month prison sentence for “coercion” linked to his alleged attempts to get Jenni, 33, to speak out in his defence.

Madrid-based judge Francisco de Jorge paved the way for Rubiales to face criminal action earlier this year after recommending he be put in the dock.


www.thesun.co.uk

Disgraced FA chief facing 2 YEARS in prison & £85k payout over kiss scandal

THE axed Spanish FA chief who planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lips should be jailed for two-and-a-half years, prosecutors say. Disgraced Luis Rubiales should also pay £85,0…
www.thesun.co.uk www.thesun.co.uk
 

Luis Rubiales arrested in corruption investigation​


Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish football federation (RFEF), has been arrested as part of a corruption investigation.

He was detained on his arrival in Madrid from the Dominican Republic.

He is suspected of receiving illegal commissions when negotiating a lucrative deal to stage the Spanish Super Cup competition in Saudi Arabia.

Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year jail term for Mr Rubiales, who denies any wrongdoing.

After stepping off the plane, he was taken into a black van with several members of the Civil Guard.

Police now have 72 hours to question Mr Rubiales, who was in the Dominican Republic when police searched his home last month.

They also searched the football federation headquarters and made several arrests.

Mr Rubiales is also separately due to go on trial for sexual assault for kissing the player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after last summer's World Cup final.

Ms Hermoso and her teammates said the kiss was unwanted and demeaning.

Mr Rubiales was forced to resign, but has denied any wrongdoing.

www.bbc.com

Luis Rubiales arrested in corruption investigation

The former president of the Spanish football federation has been arrested after flying into Madrid.
www.bbc.com www.bbc.com
 

Luis Rubiales: Ex-Spanish football federation president says in TV interview he faces trial over kiss 'because I am a man'​


Former Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has questioned if he is facing trial for sexual assault "because he's a man".

Rubiales, 46, is due to go on trial for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after the final of last summer's World Cup.

Hermoso and her team-mates said the kiss was demeaning and not consensual, and Rubiales ultimately failed.

In a Spanish TV interview Rubiales denied any wrongdoing with the kiss.

Rubiales told La Sexta: "You cannot question Jennifer Hermoso, but you can question me - because I am a man? For me there is no crime against Jennifer Hermoso.

"Whoever sees the images... I can't understand that anyone would consider it a sexual assault.

"Those who are victims of everything are my family and my friends."

Spanish prosecutors want the ex-head of the country's football federation to be jailed for two and a half years, with Rubiales facing a charge of coercion in addition to the one for sexual assault.

Rubiales was alleged to have coerced Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual in the aftermath of the incident - something he denied in the TV interview.

Former La Liga defender Rubiales said he "should have been colder and more institutional" and "not have been so happy" following Spain's 1-0 victory over England in the World Cup final in Sydney, Australia in August 2023.

Separately, Rubiales was arrested on Wednesday as part of an unconnected corruption investigation after he arrived in Madrid from the Dominican Republic.

He is suspected of receiving illegal commissions when negotiating a lucrative deal to stage the Spanish Super Cup competition in Saudi Arabia.

Rubiales said he has "declared everything" having "never taken a bribe in my life" and called the accusation "a lie".

He said that his bank accounts had been blocked and now he "can't even pay" for a drink.

"If there is an investigation, there must be a presumption of innocence," Rubiales added.

www.bbc.com

Rubiales says trial for kiss is 'because I am a man'

Former Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales questions if he's facing trial for sexual assault "because I am a man".
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Spanish government to oversee football federation​


The Spanish government has formed a special committee that will oversee the country's football federation (RFEF).

The committee will be in place until the governing body holds new elections following the scandal surrounding its former president, Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales was arrested earlier this month as part of a corruption investigation.

He is also separately due to go on trial for sexual assault for kissing Spain player Jenni Hermoso after last summer's World Cup final.

Hermoso said that the kiss "was not consensual" but Rubiales consistently denied any wrongdoing until his eventual resignation in September.

Investigations into corruption during Rubiales' tenure led to police raiding the RFEF headquarters in Madrid last month, resulting in the firing of other members of the federation.

Pedro Rocha, who was standing in as president, was also placed under investigation after he testified as a witness in the corruption probe.

Rocha was the only candidate to succeed Rubiales in becoming president permanently, and said he had "no knowledge nor, therefore, any responsibility for the facts that are being investigated”.

The government's involvement has come "in response to the crisis in the organisation and in defence of the general interest of Spain," said the country's National Sports Council.

"The Spanish government has taken this decision in order to correct the serious situation that the RFEF is going through and to allow the organisation to begin a period of regeneration," it added.

The council is the government agency that is responsible for sport in Spain and its statement added that the committee would be led by "independent persons of recognised prestige."

Spain won the women's World Cup in 2023 by beating England in the final, and are preparing to co-host the men's World Cup in 2030.

www.bbc.com

Spanish government to oversee football federation after Luis Rubiales scandal

The Spanish government will oversee the country's football federation until it holds new elections following the Luis Rubiales scandal.
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Luis Rubiales to stand trial over World Cup kiss

The former head of the Spanish football federation, Luis Rubiales, will stand trial for sexual assault over his unsolicited kiss to Women's World Cup player, Jenni Hermoso.

The kiss, which Ms Hermoso said was "unwanted", happened at last year's 1-0 World Cup against England and made global headlines.

Mr Rubiales was forced to resign, but has denied any wrongdoing.

A Spanish High Court judge said on Wednesday Mr Rubiales was also facing one charge of coercion.

The scandal overshadowed a historic moment for Spain's women's team, which at the time was celebrating its first ever World Cup win on 20 August 2023.

During the trophy presentation ceremony, Mr Rubiales clasped Ms Hermoso's head between his hands and planted a kiss on her lips.

It was broadcast to billions worldwide, sparking fierce backlash and a national sexism debate in Spain.

Mr Rubiales, 46, has strenuously denied wrongdoing and said the kiss was consensual and he was the victim of a "social assassination".

However, Ms Hermoso and her teammates claimed it was unwanted and demeaning.

Mr Rubiales faces one count of sexual assault, which carries a prison term of a year.

He will also be tried for coercion alongside the former coach of the women's national team, Jorge Vilda, the team's current sporting director, Albert Luque, and the federation's head of marketing, Ruben Rivera.

All four men, who have denied wrongdoing, are accused of trying to pressure Ms Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual.

They could each face up to 18 months in jail if convicted.

The trial will be held at the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid. The date has not yet been confirmed.

The court has set a bail of €65,000 (£55,900) for Mr Rubiales' charge of sexual assault to be paid within 24 hours to cover "any civil liabilities he may be ordered to pay", AFP news reported.

A further bail of €65,000 is to be posted jointly between Mr Rubiales, Mr Vilda, Mr Luque and Mr Riveria on the charges of coercion.


BBC
 
Player was 'overwhelmed' after World Cup kiss, court hears

Teammates of Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso have given testimony in support of her account of feeling overwhelmed after being allegedly forcibly kissed by Spain's former football chief Luis Rubiales.

Her teammates Irene Paredes, Laia Codina, and Alexia Putellas appeared at the trial of Mr Rubiales at National Court in Madrid in on Thursday, where he is accused of sexual assault and coercion.

Ms Putellas said Ms Hermoso had felt "overwhelmed" after the incident, while Ms Codina said she was "sad" and "not enjoying herself".

Mr Rubiales kissed Ms Hermoso on the lips during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup medal ceremony in Australia, triggering protests and calls for his resignation. He denies any wrongdoing.

Jenni Hermoso told the court on Monday that she had never given permission to be kissed at the World Cup medal ceremony and felt "disrespected" as a woman.

Ms Putellas said she thought at the time that the incident had been something "fortuitous" and a "misunderstanding" but that later Ms Hermoso showed her a video and said she did not know how it occurred to Mr Rubiales to kiss her, according to local Spanish media.

The court heard from Ms Paredes that while on the bus to Sydney airport after the World Cup final, she told her teammates to stop making jokes about the incident, saying it was "serious".

Ms Putellas said that Ms Hermoso was "overwhelmed" on the plane back to Spain.

"She started crying from exhaustion," the Barcelona player added.

The 31-year-old said Ms Hermoso was asked to speak to Mr Rubiales on the plane and told her that she should "come out" and "deny that there was no consent" in the kiss.

"She was angry and she said that there was no need for him to explain the facts to her because she had experienced it, that she wasn't going to do that," Ms Putellas said.

Ms Codina told the trial that during the team celebration trip to the Spanish island of Ibiza, Ms Hermoso was "sad, she was not enjoying herself, far from it" even though it "should have been the best moment" of her life.


www.bbc.com

Spain's Hermoso was 'overwhelmed' after World Cup kiss, court hears

Teammates of Jenni Hermoso have testified in a trial over a kiss between her and former football chief Luis Rubiales.
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Luis Rubiales found guilty over kissing Jenni Hermoso after Women's World Cup final​


Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty over kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent after the Women's World Cup final in 2023.

Spain's High Court has also ordered Rubiales to pay a fine worth more than €10,000 (£8,274).

World Cup winner Hermoso previously told Rubiales's trial she "never" agreed to the former Spanish football chief kissing her on the lips - and the moment "tainted one of the happiest days" of her life.

news.sky.com

Luis Rubiales found guilty over kissing Jenni Hermoso after Women's World Cup final

Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales Rubiales, 47, stood accused of sexual assault and of then attempting to coerce Jenni Hermoso into declaring the kiss had been consensual. He denied the charges as he stood trial at the High Court in Madrid.
news.sky.com news.sky.com
 
FearlessRoar said:

Luis Rubiales found guilty over kissing Jenni Hermoso after Women's World Cup final​


Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty over kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent after the Women's World Cup final in 2023.

Spain's High Court has also ordered Rubiales to pay a fine worth more than €10,000 (£8,274).

World Cup winner Hermoso previously told Rubiales's trial she "never" agreed to the former Spanish football chief kissing her on the lips - and the moment "tainted one of the happiest days" of her life.

news.sky.com

Luis Rubiales found guilty over kissing Jenni Hermoso after Women's World Cup final

Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales Rubiales, 47, stood accused of sexual assault and of then attempting to coerce Jenni Hermoso into declaring the kiss had been consensual. He denied the charges as he stood trial at the High Court in Madrid.
news.sky.com news.sky.com
Click to expand...
Udit Narayan actually tried to copy him during his concert lol
 
FearlessRoar said:

Luis Rubiales found guilty over kissing Jenni Hermoso after Women's World Cup final​


Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty over kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent after the Women's World Cup final in 2023.

Spain's High Court has also ordered Rubiales to pay a fine worth more than €10,000 (£8,274).

World Cup winner Hermoso previously told Rubiales's trial she "never" agreed to the former Spanish football chief kissing her on the lips - and the moment "tainted one of the happiest days" of her life.

news.sky.com

Luis Rubiales found guilty over kissing Jenni Hermoso after Women's World Cup final

Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales Rubiales, 47, stood accused of sexual assault and of then attempting to coerce Jenni Hermoso into declaring the kiss had been consensual. He denied the charges as he stood trial at the High Court in Madrid.
news.sky.com news.sky.com
Click to expand...

Female teams should always have female coaches. :inti

Society loves to make simple things complex. Why have male coaches in female sports?
 
CAS dismisses Rubiales appeal against Fifa ban

Luis Rubiales' appeal against a three-year Fifa ban from football has been dismissed.

Football's world governing body suspended the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) from any football-related activity for three years in October 2023.

It followed a kiss on the lips of Spain player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony after the team won the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup final.

On Friday the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed Rubiales' appeal, external on the grounds that "the sanction imposed is reasonable and proportional".

CAS agreed with Fifa's appeals committee - who upheld the suspension in January 2024 - that Rubiales "behaved in a manner contrary to the principles of the Fifa Disciplinary Code".

On Thursday, Spain's High Court convicted Rubiales of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso, 34, without consent and fined him 10,800 euros (£8,942).

Rubiales, 47, was also banned from going within a 200m radius of the Tigres player - and from communicating with her for one year.

He was acquitted of coercion, for allegedly trying to pressure Hermoso into saying publicly that the kiss was consensual.

Rubiales resigned from his position as the RFEF president but has always maintained the kiss was consensual.

Both Rubiales and Hermoso intend to appeal the verdict.


BBC
 
Hermoso wants Rubiales conviction to set precedent

Jenni Hermoso hopes an "important precedent" has been set after Luis Rubiales' conviction for kissing the Spain striker without her consent during the 2023 World Cup medal ceremony.

On Thursday, Spain's High Court convicted Rubiales of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso, 34, without consent and fined him 10,800 euros (£8,942).

Rubiales was also banned from going within a 200m radius of Hermoso and from communicating with her for one year.

He was acquitted of coercion, for allegedly trying to pressure the Tigres striker into saying publicly that the kiss was consensual.

The 47-year-old resigned from his position as president of the Spanish football federation but has always maintained the kiss was consensual.

Speaking about the conviction for the first time, Hermoso said on Instagram: "After all, this will create an important precedent in a social environment in which much remains to be done.

"My heart is full of each of the people who have been, are and will continue with me in this fight.

"And now, it's over."

Both Rubiales and Hermoso intend to appeal the verdict.

On Friday, Rubiales' appeal against a three-year ban from football by world governing body Fifa was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).


BBC
 
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