MADRID (AP) — Spanish soccer participant Jenni Hermoso has accused Luis Rubiales of sexual assault for kissing her on the lips with out her consent after the Women’s World Cup last, the nation’s prosecutors’ workplace mentioned Wednesday.

Rubiales, the now-suspended president of the Spanish soccer federation, kissed Hermoso on the lips throughout the awards ceremony after Spain beat England to win the title on Aug. 20 in Sydney, Australia.

Rubiales has insisted the kiss was consensual. Hermoso has denied that. She additionally mentioned she and her household have been pressured by the federation to point out her help for Rubiales within the speedy aftermath of the scandal brought on by the kiss that tarnished her group’s victory.

The prosecutors’ workplace mentioned that, based on a brand new sexual consent regulation handed final 12 months, Rubiales might face a wonderful or a jail sentence of 1 to 4 years if discovered responsible.

Spain’s authorities, gamers’ unions, gamers and many voters have come out in help of Hermoso. Rubiales, in the meantime, has turn out to be a soccer outcast even whereas he refuses to resign.

Rubiales was suspended from his submit by FIFA on Aug. 27, a day after he refused to step down when he delivered a defiant speech to the final meeting of his federation by which he mentioned he was sufferer of a “witch hunt” by “false feminists.”

The prosecutor’s workplace mentioned Hermoso made the accusation on Tuesday. Prosecutors had mentioned final week that they have been going to fulfill with Hermoso to provide her the chance to current an accusation towards Rubiales.

Hermoso, a 33-year-old ahead, now performs for Mexican membership Pachuca after a protracted profession with prime Spanish and European golf equipment, together with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid.

Rubiales’ habits on the last, which included a lewd crotch seize whereas subsequent to dignitaries together with Spain’s queen and teenage princess, mixed along with his controversial speech have torn Spanish soccer aside.

On Tuesday, the federation headed by interim president Pedro Rocha fired the coach of Spain’s Women’s World Cup champion group, Jorge Vilda. Despite main the group to the title, Vilda was nonetheless thought-about an unpopular determine amongst its gamers and near Rubiales. One 12 months in the past, 15 gamers mentioned they'd not play for him till he created a extra skilled work atmosphere.

After Rubiales refused to step down final week and accused Hermoso of mendacity, the complete group of World Cup winners plus dozens extra gamers mentioned they'd not play once more for Spain till the president was gone.

Rubiales additionally faces motion from the Spanish authorities. A authorities authorized panel overseeing sports has opened a probe to find out if he abused his authority by kissing Hermoso or tainted the picture of Spain along with his conduct. He faces being deemed unfit to carry his submit.

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