Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed Against Luis Rubiales, Spain’s Soccer Federation President, Following World Cup Kiss

Prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against Luis Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion after he kissed a female soccer player on the lips without her consent after the Women’s World Cup final.

The news of the lawsuit was announced by Spain prosecutors on Friday. Rubiales, the now-suspended president of the Spanish soccer federation, sparked outrage after he kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the awards ceremony after Spain beat England to win the title on Aug. 20 in Sydney, Australia, CBS News reported.

Prosecutors presented the suit to Spain’s National Court in Madrid two days after the soccer player accused him of sexual assault.

Rubiales has defended himself against the controversy, calling the outcry a “witch hunt” by “false feminists” and insisting that it was a consensual kiss, despite Hermoso saying the opposite.

Rubiales has refused to resign.

Hermoso said she and her family were pressured by the federation to show her support for Rubiales in the immediate aftermath of the situation.

The prosecutor’s office in Madrid cited the sexual consent laws passed last year, saying, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence of one to four years if found guilty.

Spain’s government, players’ unions, players, and many citizens have come out in support of Hermoso.

Rubiales was suspended from his post by FIFA on August 27, a day after he refused to step down. He was also slammed for his defiant speech to the general assembly of his federation in which he portrayed himself as a victim. He was banned from his post for 90 days while the body’s disciplinary judges considered his case.

FIFA can also impose sanctions on individuals ranging from warnings and fines to suspensions from the sport.