Jail term sought for ex RFEF chief Rubiales over Hermoso kiss

Prosecutors have asked for a two years and six months prison sentence for the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, for his non-consensual kiss of forward Jenni Hermoso, reported Xinhua.

He kissed Hermoso during the celebrations following Spain's 1-0 win over England in the Women's World Cup final in Australia in August 2023 and subsequent pressure placed on Hermoso.

Prosecutors have also asked for a year and six months in jail for three others accused of pressuring Hermoso to withdraw her allegations against Rubiales: former player Albert Luque, who is the Sporting Director of the men's national team, Jorge Vilda, who was the coach of the women's team at the World Cup and former RFEF head of marketing Ruben Rivera.

The prosecutor has carried out an intensive investigation in which all parties were interviewed, and bases the decision on the fact that Rubiales' kiss on Hermoso was "not consensual, and was initiated unilaterally and by surprise."

Rubiales is currently in the Dominican Republic and is also being investigated as part of 'Operation Brody' which is looking into commissions from contracts leading to the Spanish Supercup being played in Saudi Arabia and the reform of the La Cartuja Stadium in Sevilla, which has been the venue for the Copa del Rey final since 2020.