Judge proposes Rubiales trial for World Cup kiss

A Spanish judge has proposed that former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting star footballer Jenni Hermoso by kissing her without her consent during the 2023 Women's World Cup victory celebrations.

The investigating judge, Francisco de Jorge, concluded in his preliminary investigation that the kiss "was not consensual and was a unilateral and unexpected move" by Rubiales. He has been charged with sexual assault and coercion.

The incident occurred on the podium during the medal ceremony after Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup final in July 2023. As Hermoso leaned in for a group photo with Rubiales and other officials, he planted a kiss on her lips.

Hermoso later said that she was "uncomfortable and surprised" by the kiss and that she did not consent to it. She filed a complaint with the Spanish police, which led to the investigation.

Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the kiss was a "spontaneous gesture of celebration" and that he did not intend to offend Hermoso. However, the judge found his explanation to be "lacking in credibility" and concluded that there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

In addition to Rubiales, the judge has also proposed that three other individuals be tried for their alleged roles in the incident. These include Jorge Vilda, the former coach of the Spanish women's national team, and two other federation officials. They are accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly say that the kiss was consensual.

The decision to propose a trial for Rubiales and the other defendants is a significant development in the case. If they are found guilty, they could face significant prison sentences. The case has also sparked a wider debate about sexual harassment and abuse in Spanish society.

Reactions to the proposed trial

The decision to propose a trial for Rubiales has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the move, saying that it is important to hold powerful figures accountable for their actions. Others have expressed concern about the potential impact of the trial on Hermoso, arguing that it could subject her to further scrutiny and public attention.