An unwanted kiss that comes at a high cost: ex-football chief Rubiales faces 2.5 years in jail

If Luis Rubiales had foreseen the far-reaching global scandal that would unfold from the unwanted kiss he planted on Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso's lips, would the disgraced former Spanish football chief choose to engage in such an act in the first place?  

While we can only ponder Rubiales' hypothetical response, the truth remains that it's now too late to alter the course of events. Court documents revealed on Wednesday that the 46-year-old has been formally charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of coercion. If convicted, Rubiales could face a prison sentence of two and a half years.  

Rubiales saw his career crumble in the aftermath of his actions following Spain's win at the Women's World Cup final last year. In front of a massive crowd at Sydney's Stadium Australia, Rubiales forcefully kissed Hermoso during the medal ceremony. This incident caused a wave of outrage in Spain, sparking a global outcry and triggering a profound discussion on sexism.

Hermoso and her teammates made it clear that the kiss was not only unwarranted but also demeaning. Rubiales, once a figure of great influence in world football, vehemently maintained that the act was consensual, adamantly denying any wrongdoing. Yet, the Spanish government, FIFA, the United Nations, and numerous players and clubs swiftly condemned Rubiales' behavior.  

Initially reluctant to relinquish his position as the head of Spain's football federation (RFEF), Rubiales eventually succumbed to pressure and tendered his resignation after being suspended by FIFA. To compound the fallout, he was subsequently barred from involvement in the sport for a duration of three years.

In a further development, the Spanish prosecutor has also implicated former Spanish women's national team coach Jorge Vilda, the sporting director of the RFEF Albert Luque, and the RFEF's marketing chief Ruben Rivera, accusing them of coercing Hermoso into providing a statement claiming that the kiss was consensual. The indictment alleges that these three officials subjected Hermoso to ongoing harassment through "persistent acts of pressure," both directly and indirectly through her friends and family.

Furthermore, the prosecutor has requested a restraining order against Rubiales, prohibiting him from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters and forbidding any form of communication with her for the duration of the next seven and a half years, which underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination to protect Hermoso from any potential further harm or undue influence.

In addition to the ongoing legal proceedings, the RFEF has pledged to conduct a thorough audit to investigate alleged instances of "irregular conduct" by Rubiales. The federation recently announced its cooperation with the criminal authorities following a raid on its headquarters in relation to a corruption and money-laundering investigation. Reports indicate that police also conducted a search at an apartment in Granada owned by Rubiales.

Spanish media outlets have suggested that these raids are connected to an investigation initiated in 2022 regarding the RFEF's decision to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. In response, the RFEF released a statement late Wednesday confirming that its management commission will diligently examine any contracts that may be suspected of impropriety due to the actions of their former president. 

"The RFEF aims to unequivocally distance itself from the alleged irregular conduct and actions of its former president, as well as anyone else implicated in the matter," read the statement.

"Additionally, it seeks to underscore that this institution stands above and beyond any individual leaders. Spanish football encompasses far more than just its former presidents or leaders."