Spanish prosecutors launch ‘sexual assault investigation’ into Luis Rubiales

‘This is unacceptable’ – Alexia Putellas after Luis Rubiales refuses to resign

Rubiales was seen kissing the midfielder as she walked onto the platform to collect her medal. Hermoso says she was surprised by the kiss and that it was non-consensual. 

A remarkable fall-out from the incident has now taken another turn, with Spanish prosecutors reportedly launching a probe to ‘look into the facts’. They allege that the kiss could “constitute an offence of sexual assault”. 

A statement from the Spanish national court sent to AFP said: “Prosecutors from the national court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault.”

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Speaking at an incredible press conference last week in which he had been expected to stand down, Rubiales defiantly insisted he would be staying in his role. The 46-year-old claimed he was the victim of “social murder”.

He claimed he had been lifted by Hermoso and then asked if he could give her a “peck”. Rubiales insisted that the midfielder then said: “OK.”

The Spanish FA continue to back Rubiales despite strong political pressure for the former La Liga defender to step down. In a stunning statement, they accused Hermoso of lying. 

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However, Hermoso released a statement of her own, alleging that Rubiales’ behaviour was non-consensual. “I feel the need to denounce what happened because I believe that no person, in any work, sports or social environment, should be a victim of this type of non-consensual behaviour,” she said. 

“I felt vulnerable and the victim of an aggression, an impulsive, machista (chauvinistic) act, out of place and without any consent on my part. Simply put, I was not respected.”

Hermoso added: “I want to reiterate that I do not have to support the person who has committed this action against my will, without respecting me, in a historic moment for me and for women’s sport in this country.”

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