Spanish Prosecutors File Complaint Against Luis Rubiales for Sexual Assault and Coercion for Forced Kiss
Spanish prosecutors have filed a complaint against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), for alleged sexual assault and coercion involving a forced kiss. The complaint was lodged by a former employee of the RFEF.
The alleged incident took place in October 2020, when Rubiales reportedly forced himself on the victim and kissed her without her consent. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, worked as a personal assistant to Rubiales at the time.
The complaint, filed with the prosecutor’s office in Madrid, accuses Rubiales of committing sexual assault and coercion. The victim claims that Rubiales abused his position of power to force her into the unwanted physical contact.
Rubiales, who has been the president of the RFEF since 2018, has denied the allegations. In a statement released by his lawyers, Rubiales categorically refuted the accusations and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The RFEF has also issued a statement regarding the matter, expressing its commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment within the organization. The federation has pledged to fully cooperate with the authorities throughout the investigation process.
This is not the first time Rubiales has faced controversy during his tenure as RFEF president. In 2018, he made headlines when he sacked national team coach Julen Lopetegui just two days before the start of the FIFA World Cup. The decision was met with mixed reactions and ultimately led to Spain’s disappointing performance in the tournament.
The complaint against Rubiales comes amidst a global reckoning on issues of sexual assault and harassment, particularly within the sports industry. Many high-profile figures have faced similar allegations in recent years, leading to increased scrutiny and demands for accountability.
The investigation into the allegations against Rubiales is ongoing, and it remains to be seen how the case will unfold. The outcome of the investigation will have significant implications for both Rubiales and the RFEF, as well as for the broader conversation surrounding sexual misconduct within the sports world.
