Alleged sexual assault claim filed against RFEF president Luis Rubiales after Jenni Hermoso kiss

Miguel Ángel Galán, the preisdent of Cenafe, the Spanish national school for soccer coaches, has filed a complaint to the Prosecutor’s Office in Madrid and the State Attorney General’s Office, accusing Luis Rubiales, the head of the Spanish Soccer Federation (RFEF) of sexual assault after he kissed Spain forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent in the aftermath of the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.

Earlier this week, Galán had already lodged written complaints to the CSD, Spain’s National Sports Council, and the RFEF itself, but has now opted to go down the criminal route.

Cenafe president Galán accuses Rubiales of “intolerable sexist behaviour”

Galán letter reads as follows:

“I would like to file a complaint against Luis Rubiales, the preisdent of the Spanish Soccer Federation, for committing an alleged crime of sexual assault against the Spanish women’s soccer team’s Jennifer Hermoso.

“This was an intolerable act of sexist behaviour within our sport, which could constitute an alleged crime of sexual assault. I therefore request that a complaint be filed”.

Pedro Sánchez and Megan Rapinoe among Rubiales critics

Rubiales’ behaviour after Spain’s victory in the final - he was also seen grabbing his crotch moments after the final whistle - has drawn widespread criticism, with Spanish president Pedro Sánchez and former USWNT star Megan Rapinoe among the many who have condemned his actions.

Rubiales is not thought to be contemplating resigning from his position, although the RFEF have called an emergency AGM for Friday to discuss the issue, which they have opened an internal investigation into. The 46-year-old initially lashed out at critics for, in his eyes, blowing the incident out of proportion but later backed down and offered an apology for his behaviour.