Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso accuses Rubiales of sexual assault

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MADRID – Spanish soccer player Jenni Hermoso has accused Luis Rubiales of sexual assault for kissing her on the lips without her consent after the Women’s World Cup final, the country’s prosecutor’s office said Wednesday.

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Rubiales, the now-suspended president of the Spanish Football Federation, kissed Hermoso on the lips during the presentation ceremony after Spain defeated England to win the title on August 20 in Sydney, Australia.

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Rubiales has insisted the kiss was consensual. Hermoso has denied this. She also said she and her family were pressured by the federation to show their support for Rubiales in the immediate aftermath of the scandal caused by the kiss that marred her team’s victory.

The Spanish government, players’ unions, players and many citizens have spoken out in favor of Hermoso. Rubiales has now become a football pariah, even though he refuses to step down.

Rubiales was suspended from his position by FIFA on August 27, a day after he refused to resign when he gave a defiant speech to his association’s general assembly in which he claimed he was the victim of a “witch hunt” by ” False reports.” Feminists.”

Prosecutors said Hermoso made the accusation Tuesday. Prosecutors said last week that they would meet with Hermoso to give her an opportunity to present an indictment against Rubiales.

Hermoso, a 33-year-old striker, now plays for Mexican club Pachuca after a long career with top Spanish and European clubs including Barcelona, ​​Paris Saint-Germain and Atlético Madrid.