Image: APA/Pau Barrena
Hermoso testified at the public prosecutor’s office and then reported Rubiales, radio station Cadena Ser and other media reported on Wednesday, citing judicial circles in Madrid. A judicial spokesman confirmed this information when asked by dpa.
After Hermoso’s complaint, the public prosecutor’s office can decide whether to request a court of inquiry to open an investigation against Rubiales. Experts estimate the 46-year-old former professional could face up to five years in prison if found guilty.
Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the mouth at the awards ceremony after Spain won the World Cup final in Sydney on August 20. He asserts that this was done by mutual consent. However, Hermoso said she “felt the victim of an impulsive, sexist and inappropriate act that I did not consent to.” The world association (FIFA) has already suspended Rubiales for 90 days and initiated disciplinary proceedings.
Prosecutor asked
The public prosecutor’s office at the State Court of Justice in Madrid became active at the end of August and asked Hermoso if she wanted to file a complaint. It is assumed “due to the clear public statements” that the footballer could have been the victim of an alleged sexual assault, since there was apparently “no kind of consent”, it said.
However, the authority could not act ex officio and required a report from the player under Spanish law.
Rubiales continues to refuse to resign as head of the association, despite requests from the RFEF’s regional associations, among others. However, the national association rejected the possibility of a vote of no confidence against the suspended president. The Spanish Court of Arbitration for Sports (TAD) has decided to open proceedings against Rubiales, but only because of “serious” misconduct. This means that the suspension of Rubiales by the highest Spanish sports authority (CSD) is not possible. The CSD could only have temporarily removed the 46-year-old from office if proceedings were initiated for “very serious” misconduct.
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