Jenni Hermoso filed a legal complaint over Rubiales kissing her on the lips during the celebrations that followed Spain's win over England in the 2023 Women's World Cup final. Rubiales has now been summoned by a high court judge to respond to accusations of coercion and sexual assault. He will appear before a magistrate on Friday. While Rubiales has claimed that the kiss was "mutual" and "consensual", Hermoso said otherwise. Rubiales stepped down as the Spanish FA president on Sunday following three weeks long calls for his resignation. He also resigned from his position as vice-president of UEFA's executive committee. He had earlier been suspended by FIFA, the world's football governing body.

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Hermoso's complaint was one of sexual assault but last week prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil added an allegation of coercion after the forward revealed that some of her relatives had been pressured by Rubiales and his "professional entourage" to say she "justified and approved what happened". The fallout as a result of the controversial kiss has engulfed Spanish football in recent weeks and overshadowed Spain's World Cup win. Under Spanish law, the charge of sexual assault can carry a punishment ranging from a fine to four years in prison.

"I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power so that it prevails," Rubiales wrote in an open letter on Sunday. Spanish player Hermoso had on 25th of August released a long statement on social media claiming that the kiss was not consensual. "I feel the need to report this incident because I believe no person, in any work, sports, or social setting should be a victim of these types of non-consensual behaviors. I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulsive-driven, sexist, out-of-place act, without any consent on my part. Quite simply, I was not respected," part of her statement read. 

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(Image: SkySports)