- Prosecutors have opened inquiries into the kiss by Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales, whose mother has gone on hunger strike over the treatment of her son.
- Spanish player Jenni Hermoso has said that at “no moment” did she consent to the kiss from Mr. Rubiales, who has been suspended by FIFA.
- Hermoso has said that in “no moment” did she consent to the kiss.
- Luis Rubiales has remained defiant in the face of mounting criticism, saying he’s the subject of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists”.
- Rubiales’ mother ‘on hunger strike’
- She said the “hunt” against her son is “something he does not deserve”.
- Mr. Rubiales’ mother has requested that Hermoso “tell the truth” and “maintain the version she had at the beginning of the events”.
Spanish prosecutors announced on Monday they believe the facts of the case may constitute an offence of sexual harassment. There has been widespread criticism of Mr. Rubiales, 46, after he kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win. The prosecutors said Hermoso now has 15 days to formalize the complaint.
The prosecutor’s office said it opened pre-trial inquiries because of “public statements made by Jenni Hermoso that the sexual act she experienced and was carried out by Mr. Rubiales was non-consensual”.
Hermoso has said that in “no moment” did she consent to the kiss. FIFA suspended Mr. Rubiales on Saturday. In response, the Spanish football federation boss said he would defend himself after his suspension.
A statement released by the Spanish Football Association said: “Luis Rubiales has stated that he will legally defend himself in the competent bodies, he fully trusts FIFA and reiterates that, in this way, he is given the opportunity to begin his defence so that the truth prevails.”
He has remained defiant in the face of mounting criticism, saying he’s the subject of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists”.
Amid the controversy, Mr.Rubiales’ mother reportedly locked herself in a church on Monday and is going on a hunger strike over the “inhuman and bloody hunt” against her son. Angeles Bejar told news outlet EFE that she will remain in the Divina Pastora church in the southern Spanish town of Motril “indefinitely, day and night” until the situation is resolved. She said the “hunt” against her son is “something he does not deserve”. Mr. Rubiales’ mother has requested that Hermoso “tell the truth” And “maintain the version she had at the beginning of the events”. She also told EFE her son “is incapable of harming anyone” and claimed there was “consent on both sides”.
Following days of criticism and calls for Mr Rubiales to quit following the Women’s World Cup final, the Spanish football federation called an “extraordinary and urgent” meeting into the situation.
(With inputs from agencies)
