Spanish prosecutors suspect the union boss of a possible sexual crime.
Luis Rubiales has not agreed to resign from the chairmanship of the union, despite the pressure. EIDAN RUBIO/RFEF HANDOUT, EPA/AOP
Spanish prosecutors have launched an investigation into the president of the country’s football association By Luis Rubiales from the kiss. Rubiales may be charged with a sexual offense.
The Spanish Prosecutor’s Office announced the matter on Monday.
– The prosecutors of the national court have launched a preliminary investigation to find out what happened, which may be sexual violence.
– We have agreed that we will get in touch Jennifer to Hermoso and we will inform him of his rights as a victim of an alleged sexual crime within the next 15 days, the prosecutor’s office informs.
On Monday, the Regional Managers of the Spanish Football Federation RFEF asked Rubiales to resign.
“Due to recent events and inappropriate behavior that has seriously damaged the image of Spanish football, the Regional Managers demand that Luis Rubiales immediately resign as president of the federation,” the RFEF announced after an emergency meeting of regional managers on Monday.
Rubiales caused an international scandal when he kissed Spain striker Hermoso on the lips after Spain beat England in the World Cup final. Hermoso later said that she had not consented to the kiss.
Rubialesia has refused to resign from the chairmanship of the union. In response, for example, the vice president of the association has resigned from his position and the national team players have refused to play in the national team until Rubiales has resigned or been fired. Currently, at least 81 players are participating in the protest.
Rubiales has admitted that he made a mistake, but he denies that the kiss was unwanted. He claims it was consensual, although Hermoso has since claimed otherwise.
– I felt vulnerable and a victim of aggression, sexism. In short, I was disrespected, Hermoso said.
The Spanish Football Federation planned to sue Hermoso over the comments he made.
The international football association Fifa has suspended Rubiales for 90 days.
Rubiales’ resignation was called for in a demonstration in Madrid last Friday. EPA/AOP