Spain National Court admits Spanish prosecutor complaint against former soccer chief Luis Rubiales

Former Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales is facing possible charges of sexual assault and coercion after a complaint was admitted by Spain's National Court. The court will now gather evidence, including video footage of Rubiales' unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso, to proceed with the investigation. Rubiales resigned from his position as president of the country's soccer federation on Sunday. The incident sparked widespread condemnation in Spain and led to calls for Rubiales' resignation.

Spain's National Court has accepted a complaint against former soccer chief Luis Rubiales for alleged sexual assault and coercion, according to a court press release. The court will now initiate an investigation into the matter, requesting video footage of Rubiales' unwanted kiss on Jennifer Hermoso after the Spanish team's Women's World Cup victory. This admission of the complaint allows the court to gather evidence and potentially press charges against Rubiales, who resigned as president of the country's soccer federation. The court has agreed to take the first steps in the legal procedure and will officially request video evidence from various media outlets.

The court's decision transfers the prosecutor's case to Rubiales as a defendant, enabling him to learn the alleged facts and exercise his right to defense. The complaint against Rubiales was filed by the Spanish national prosecutor after Hermoso lodged an official complaint. In his resignation letter, Rubiales expressed his belief in the truth and his determination to clear his name against what he called "excessive persecution."

The incident in question occurred during the World Cup medal ceremony when video footage showed Rubiales forcibly kissing Hermoso after embracing her. Hermoso later expressed her disapproval of the kiss in an Instagram live video. The unwanted kiss sparked widespread condemnation and calls for Rubiales' resignation. Over 80 Spanish soccer players, including the entire World Cup-winning squad, expressed their support for Hermoso and stated that they would not return to the national team if the current leaders remained in their positions.

Following Rubiales' resignation, interim RFEF president Pedro Rocha initiated a regeneration of the federation, dismissing coach Jorge Vilda and appointing Montse Tomé as his deputy. Rocha pledged further structural changes in the RFEF. It remains uncertain whether these changes will persuade the players to return to the national team, which has a Women's Nations League match against Sweden scheduled for September 22.

Verónica Boquete, former Spain captain and signatory of the statement supporting Hermoso, emphasized the need for a deeper change within the federation. While she acknowledged the resignations of Rubiales and Vilda, she stressed that a mere change in leadership was insufficient. Boquete expressed her belief that the players would eventually return but emphasized the importance of addressing the root of the problem.

In conclusion, the National Court's acceptance of the complaint against Rubiales marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation. The court will now proceed with gathering evidence, and Rubiales will have the opportunity to defend himself against the allegations. The incident has had far-reaching consequences, leading to resignations, dismissals, and calls for reform within the Spanish soccer federation. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have implications for the future of women's soccer in Spain.

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