Luis Rubiales to stand trial for sexual assault over Jenni Hermoso World Cup kiss and could face jail time

During the trophy presentation ceremony, Rubiales grabbed Hermoso's head and planted a kiss on her lips, an action that Hermoso and her teammates described as unwanted and demeaning. Rubiales, on the other hand, claims the kiss was consensual and asserts that he is the victim of a "social assassination" and "false feminism." The unwanted kiss attracted global attention and sparked intense debate over sexism in Spain, overshadowing an historic moment for the women's team.

According to the BBC, a Spanish High Court Judge confirmed on Wednesday that Rubiales will stand trial on charges of sexual assault and coercion. The trial proceedings will not only focus on Rubiales but also involve other prominent figures such as Jorge Vilda, the former coach of the women's national team, Albert Luque, the team's current sporting director, and Ruben Rivera, the federation's head of marketing - as the aforementioned figures have been charged with coercion as well. The accused individuals reportedly attempted to pressure Hermoso into stating that the kiss was consensual. If convicted, each could face up to 18 months in jail.

The trial is scheduled to take place at the Audiencia Nacional in Madrid, although the exact date has yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, the court has imposed a bail of €65,000 (£55k/$69k) for Rubiales's sexual assault charge, which must be cleared within 24 hours for expenses regarding "any civil liabilities". Additionally, a further bail of €65,000 has been set jointly for Rubiales, Vilda, Luque, and Rivera regarding the coercion charges.

Rubiales has received a three-year ban from all football-related activity and Spanish prosecutors hare seeking a two-and-a-half year jail term. They have also claimed that the former official should pay €100,000 (£85,677; $108,000) in damages to Hermoso. The outcome of the trial will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for all involved parties, as it seeks to address issues of consent, power dynamics, and accountability within the realm of sports governance.