<\/p>\n
Jenni Hermoso has filed a complaint to police over an \u201cunsolicited kiss\u201d by Spanish football federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales at the Women\u2019s World Cup final.<\/p>\n
The Spanish footballer is accusing Rubiales of sexual assault after he kissed her on the lips following Spain\u2019s 1-0 victory over England.<\/p>\n
Hermoso has said the kiss was not consensual but Rubiales has refused to resign.<\/p>\n
The complaint, which was filed on Tuesday, is key for a preliminary investigation, which prosecutors at Spain\u2019s top criminal court have opened for the alleged crime of \u201csexual assault\u201d, to move forward.<\/p>\n Rubiales sparked a worldwide backlash after kissing Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain\u2019s triumph in Sydney on August 20. Hermoso later said the unwanted kiss had left her feeling \u201cvulnerable and like the victim of an assault\u201d, with a statement on social media describing it as \u201can impulsive, macho act, out of place and with no type of consent on my part\u201d.<\/p>\n Rubiales has apologised for his conduct but insists the kiss was consensual. He has refused to quit his role despite both the RFEF and FIFA calling on him to do so.<\/p>\n On Tuesday, the RFEF sacked the head coach of the Spanish women\u2019s team, Jorge Vilda, after he was the only member of the women\u2019s national team coaching staff not to resign in protest at Rubiales\u2019s behaviour.<\/p>\n Vilda\u2019s dismissal was confirmed amid accusations he had repeatedly backed Rubiales.<\/p>\n The Spanish men\u2019s team, too, criticised Rubiales on Monday for his \u201cunacceptable behaviour\u201d after he kissed Hermoso.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want to reject what we consider to be unacceptable behaviour from Mr Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents,\u201d captain Alvaro Morata said as he read out a statement on behalf of the team on Monday.<\/p>\n \u201cWe stand firmly and clearly on the side of the values that sport represents.<\/p>\n \u201cSpanish football should be a motor of respect, inspiration, inclusion and diversity and should set an example with its conduct both on and off the pitch.\u201d<\/p>\n Morata also expressed solidarity to \u201cthe players who have seen their success tarnished.\u201d<\/p>\n Last week, Spain\u2019s Sport Administrative Tribunal (TAD) opened a case against Rubiales for \u201cserious misconduct\u201d.<\/p>\n FIFA provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days after he refused to resign from his post.<\/p>\n Some 81 players went on strike from the women\u2019s side in protest after his fierce defensive speech following the incident, in which he railed against \u201cfalse feminism\u201d.<\/p>\n \u2014 with AFP.<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n