The former president of the Spanish Football Federation is preparing to stand trial
In a press release issued by the court yesterday, judge Luis Francisco de Jorge said that Mr. Rubiales, with legal support, will give testimony before the court at 12 o'clock on September 15, Madrid time.
Previously, prosecutors filed a complaint accusing Rubiales of "sexual assault and coercion."
The reception of the prosecutor's complaint this week is part of Spain's legal process, allowing the court to begin gathering evidence. That process also included requesting videos of Rubiales' kiss with Hermoso from various news outlets, as well as footage of Spain's Women's World Cup medal ceremony and locker room celebrations .
The scandal stemmed from Rubiales kissing Hermoso on the lips during the Women's World Cup championship award ceremony in Sydney on August 20. In addition to Hermoso, Rubiales also celebrated excessively with many other people, such as kissing on the cheek or hugging some players when receiving medals. He then joined a group of team members to celebrate, then kissed Olga Carmona on the cheek - the only scorer in the final against England.
Despite receiving criticism, Rubiales affirmed that kissing Hermoso was a "spontaneous and consensual act of excitement". During an extraordinary press conference at RFEF headquarters on August 25, he even said "will not resign" five times and claimed that he was the victim of a "witch hunt by fake feminists". .
After Rubiales' move, more than 80 Spanish football players - including all members who won the 2023 World Cup - declared their support for Hermoso by not returning to the team if there are no changes at the top. RFEF apparatus.
Last week, RFEF interim President Pedro Rocha apologized for the "enormous damage" caused by his predecessor's actions and promised to restructure the organization. The restructuring process began with the dismissal of coach Jorge Vilda - who was said to have applauded Rubiales's speech of not resigning, and the appointment of former female national player Montse Tome to replace him.
On September 10, under pressure from public opinion, Rubiales agreed to leave his position as RFEF president. It is unclear whether the changes made so far, including Mr. Rubiales's resignation, will convince the players to return to the national team - where Spain will play the opening match of the Women's Nations League at Gamla Ullevi Stadium. of Sweden on September 22, then return home to Nuevo Arcangel to take on Switzerland on September 26 - or not.
When contacted by CNN, the RFEF representative said he was still in the process of talking to the players for many days. On September 10, Olga Carmona - the only scorer in the final against England - said she had not yet decided whether she would return to the Spanish team or not, even though Rubiales had resigned and Vilda had been fired.
