Prosecutor Seeks Two And Half Years Jail Term For Luis Rubiales Over Kiss

Luis Rubiales, the former soccer federation chief of Spain, finds himself involved in a legal battle following an incident involving player Jenni Hermoso. The prosecutor at Spain’s High Court is seeking a prison sentence of two & half years for Rubiales over an unsolicited kiss on Hermoso, which occurred during an awards ceremony after Spain’s victory in the women’s World Cup.

The prosecutor, Marta Durantez has charged Rubiales with one count of sexual assault & one of coercion for his alleged actions. The court document outlines the charges, with offenses carrying jail terms of one year and one & half years, respectively. Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso and her teammates have asserted that it was unwanted and demeaning.

The indictment extends to include former coach Jorge Vilda, the team’s current sporting director Albert Luque, and the federation’s head of marketing, Ruben Rivera. They are accused of pressured Hermoso into stating that the kiss was consensual through “constant & repeated acts of pressure.” Each of them faces 18 months behind bars if convicted.

Durantez is seeking damages of 50,000 euros to be paid by Rubiales to Hermoso, along with another 50,000 euros jointly paid by Rubiales, Vilda, Luque, and Rivera. Additionally, a restraining order is requested, barring Rubiales from coming within 200 meters of Hermoso and from communicating with her for the next seven & half years. It is important to note that if convicted and sentenced as requested, Rubiales may not necessarily have to serve time in prison, as Spain’s criminal code allows judges to suspend jail terms under certain circumstances.

This legal turmoil comes after a separate corruption probe involving Rubiales & the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Last week police conducted searches at the federation’s headquarters and Rubiales’ apartment, leading to the arrest of seven individuals. The investigation centers on allegations of improper management related to the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia in agreement with Gerard Pique’s Kosmos firm.

Rubiales, who was out of the country during the searches, has maintained his innocence & expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation upon his return.