The World Cup's Sensational Kiss Incident: Jenni Hermoso Lodges Legal Complaint Concerning Women's World Cup Final Kiss

Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips following Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup final, a gesture she contends was not consensual.

Rubiales asserts that the kiss was "mutual" and "consensual," but he has been provisionally suspended by FIFA, the global governing body of football.

The complaint has the potential to result in criminal charges for the 46-year-old.

According to a statement from the national prosecutor's office, "Jennifer Hermoso filed a formal complaint concerning the widely reported incident. The national court's prosecutor's office will initiate proceedings promptly. The statement occurred at the state attorney general's office to safeguard the victim's privacy."

On August 29, Spanish prosecutors launched a preliminary inquiry to determine if the incident constitutes a sexual assault.

Spain's top criminal court stated that it was launching the investigation due to the "unequivocal nature" of 33-year-old Hermoso's statements, indicating the need "to establish their legal significance."

The statement clarified, "Based on the public statements made by Jennifer Hermoso, the sexual encounter with Luis Rubiales was non-consensual."

It further noted that legal experts would contact her "to provide the option of pursuing legal action and offer information about her rights as an alleged victim of sexual assault, should she choose to file a formal complaint."

The statement emphasized, "To proceed with a case for sexual assault, harassment, or sexual abuse, the injured party or their legal representative must file a lawsuit, or the public prosecutor's office must take action."

Reports suggest that Hermoso filed her complaint on Tuesday.

Rubiales, who had been seen grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain's 1-0 victory over England prior to the kiss, has consistently declined to resign from his position.

On Friday, Spain's national sports tribunal (TAD) initiated a disciplinary case against him, determining that he had committed a "serious offense" by kissing Hermoso.

However, the TAD stopped short of the "very serious offense" requested by the government, which would have resulted in his suspension.

Eighty-one Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, have declared that they will not represent the team while Rubiales remains in charge.

They are scheduled to participate in Uefa Nations League qualifying matches later this month, facing Sweden and Switzerland on September 22 and 26, respectively.

On Tuesday, Spain's World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda, considered a close ally of Rubiales, was dismissed, with Montse Tome appointed as his successor.

READ MORE: Jenni Hermoso's Unwanted Kiss Update: Luis Rubiales Resigns as FIFA Prepares New Regulations

The Spanish men's team criticized Rubiales on Monday for his "unacceptable behavior."

However, Spain and Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal faced criticism for stating that he would not pass judgment on whether Hermoso was a victim until the legal process was concluded during an interview with Spanish radio Onda Cero on Tuesday.

He explained his comments on Wednesday, stating that "Rubiales should receive support in the same manner as Jenni Hermoso" during this process.

Carvajal added, "I understand that Jenni is going through a tough time, and we need to show our solidarity. However, I don't believe the president is having an easy time either. I am not here to judge anyone."

Former Spain defender Sergio Ramos described Rubiales' conduct as unacceptable, saying, "As the president of the federation and a representative of Spanish soccer, I think he's mistaken. Instead of discussing the Rubiales issue, which has taken over, we should be congratulating the women's team, who are world champions in 2023, just like we did in 2010. So, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations. I hope soccer has the representatives it deserves."

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.