Spanish Prosecutor Files Lawsuit Against Luis Rubiales for 'Sexual Assault and Coercion'

Spanish prosecutor files a complaint against Luis Rubiales over 'unwanted kiss' at Women's World Cup Jenni Hermoso has repeatedly stated her unwillingness to be kissed, but a defiant Luis Rubiales has refused to step down, claiming it was a "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual" act.

The Spanish prosecutor has officially filed a lawsuit against Luis Rubiales, the chief of the Spanish Football Association (FA), accusing him of sexual assault and coercion.

Marta Durantez Gil's decision comes after Jenni Hermoso lodged a complaint with the prosecutor's office on Wednesday.

With this legal action, Rubiales may potentially face criminal charges, in addition to the ongoing investigation by Spain's top sports court for "serious misconduct" and FIFA's inquiry, which has provisionally suspended him.

The court will ultimately determine whether formal charges will be presented. In Spain, a sexual assault charge carries a prison term ranging from one to four years.

RECOMMENED:

• Javier Tebas, La Liga President, Accuses Luis Rubiales of Being 'madman' and 'undermined the dignity'
• The World Cup's Sensational Kiss Incident: Jenni Hermoso Lodges Legal Complaint Concerning Women's World Cup Final Kiss

Hermoso has accused Rubiales of sexual assault after he forcibly kissed her on the lips following Spain's 1-0 victory over England last month at the Women's World Cup. The footballer has consistently maintained that the kiss was non-consensual.

However, Rubiales has remained steadfast in his refusal to resign, contending that the kiss was "spontaneous, mutual, euphoric, and consensual."

Hermoso has also alleged that she and her family faced pressure from the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to express support for Rubiales immediately following the incident.

This controversy has overshadowed Spain's historic win and resulted in the dismissal of the team's head coach, Jorge Vilda, who was seen applauding Rubiales during the speech in which he declined to step down.

FIFA suspended Rubiales on August 27 after he claimed to be the target of a "witch hunt" by "false feminists."

READ MORE: FIFA Bans Rubiales from Football for 15 Years, Spanish FA Demands Immediate Resignation

Amid calls for his resignation, the 46-year-old issued a renewed defense in which he acknowledged making "some obvious mistakes" that he deeply regrets but maintained there was no aggression or discomfort during the kiss.

"There was not even the slightest discomfort, but an overflowing joy in both," he stated.

"The spontaneity and happiness of the historic moment led us to engage in a mutual and consensual act, the result of great enthusiasm.

"I reiterate – with the consent of both parties, both in the affectionate embraces, as well as in the peak and subsequent farewell full of affectionate mutual gestures that took place on the medal presentation stage."

Hermoso, a 33-year-old forward, currently plays for the Mexican club Pachuca.

She has previously featured for numerous top Spanish and European clubs, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atletico Madrid.

Luis Rubiales Faces Potential 30-Month Jail Sentence for Jenni Hermoso Kiss

The trial concerning the nonconsensual kiss involving Luis Rubiales has not commenced at this time.