Suspended Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales could face up to four years in prison if found guilty of sexual assault or sexual harassment.
Spanish state prosecutors revealed the criminal charges against Rubiales on Friday, three days after Hermoso lodged a formal complaint alleging sexual assault.
The soccer president had previously been suspended from his job for 90 days by FIFA following their investigation into the matter.
Prosecutors said Friday that Rubiales could have committed an act of coercion when, according to Hermoso, he and his “professional entourage” pressured the player and her family to say that she “justified and approved what happened.”
Luis has insisted that the kiss was consensual and he was not going to resign, describing the calls to do so as a witch-hunt.
Prosecutors have asked a judge that Rubiales appear before a court to give preliminary testimony.
Prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil also asked Australian authorities to clarify whether the incident would be considered a sexual crime in that country.
During the match, Luis grabbed his crotch and he carried the female players weirdly after their win against England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Spain’s women players have said they won’t play again for their nation unless major changes are made in the federation.
