Luis Rubiales: Ex-Spain Football President To Stand On Trial Over World Cup Kiss

The former President of Spain's football federation, Luis Rubiales will go on trial on Monday, February 3, who was accused of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso, in a case that has sparked widespread outrage in society beyond football, and ignited one of the most embarrassing scandals in the history of Spanish football. (More Football News)

Hermoso is scheduled to appear as a witness on the opening day, with the trial to run until February 19.

The incident took place when Spain's women's players were receiving medals after defeating England in Sydney during the 2023 World Cup, Rubiales grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips.

He had also reportedly grabbed his crotch in a lewd victory gesture while standing near Spain라이브 바카라 Queen Letizia and Princess Sofia amid celebrations of Spain라이브 바카라 victory over England in Australia.

He has denied any wrongdoing, but was forced to resign and was banned by FIFA. Rubiales had said he was the victim of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.” He said the kiss was consensual.

Post that, Hermoso came out stating that the kiss was not consensual, while Rubiales insisted the other way round.

The incident triggered a wide outrage as calls for Rubiales' resignation came forth. Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez stated that Rubiales' kiss had shown that "there is still a long way to go when it comes to equality and respect between women and men".

Rubiales, 47, stepped down from the post despite being defiant and denouncing a witch-hunt driven by 'fake feminism'.

Prosecutors called for the 47-year-old to receive a one-year in prison for sexual assault for the kiss. They also want him to be given a sentence of a year-and-a-half for coercion, for allegedly trying to pressure the Spanish star into publicly saying that the kiss was consensual. Though Rubiales denied the charges.

Along with Rubiales, three of his colleagues will also stand trial - Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning side, Ruben Rivera, the federation's former head of marketing, and former sporting director, Albert Luque.

(With AP Inputs)