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Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales finds himself embroiled in controversy, questioning whether he's facing trial for sexual assault simply "because he's a man."
Rubiales, 46, faces trial for allegedly kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso on the mouth after last summer's World Cup final.
The incident led to his resignation, with Hermoso and her teammates deeming the kiss demeaning and non-consensual.
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18:03 - 27.03.2024
Luis Rubiales faces two-and-a-half-year jail term for kissing Jennifer Hermoso
Former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales faces severe legal consequences, including a two-and-a-half-year prison term, for an alleged non-consensual kiss on Jenni Hermoso.
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23:02 - 21.03.2024
Spanish FA sack two over alleged corruption as ex-president Rubiales is declared wanted by police
The RFEF have been forced to look into allegations of corruption by the previous administration run by former president Luis Rubiales
Rubiales interview
In a candid interview with Spanish TV channel La Sexta, as reported by BBC, Rubiales vehemently denied any wrongdoing regarding the controversial kiss, stating, "You cannot question Jennifer Hermoso, but you can question me - because I am a man? For me, there is no crime against Jennifer Hermoso."
Rubiales expressed bewilderment at the notion that the kiss constituted sexual assault, asserting, "Whoever sees the images... I can't understand that anyone would consider it a sexual assault. Those who are victims of everything are my family and my friends."
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Rubiales faces serious legal ramifications, with Spanish prosecutors seeking a two-and-a-half-year jail term.
He's charged not only with sexual assault but also with coercion. The coercion charge stems from allegations that Rubiales pressured Hermoso into declaring the kiss consensual, an accusation he vehemently refuted during the TV interview.
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Reflecting on his conduct following Spain's World Cup victory over England, Rubiales admitted, "I should have been colder and more institutional... not have been so happy."
Rubiales's other charges
However, Rubiales's legal woes don't end there, he was arrested in Madrid on unrelated corruption charges upon returning from the Dominican Republic.
These allegations revolve around suspicions of receiving illegal commissions in a deal to stage the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
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Rubiales maintained his innocence, declaring, "I have declared everything... I have never taken a bribe in my life."
“He lamented the repercussions of the investigation, revealing, "My bank accounts have been blocked, and now I can't even pay for a drink."
In the face of mounting scrutiny, Rubiales remained steadfast in his defence, asserting, "If there is an investigation, there must be a presumption of innocence."
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