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Prosecutors in Spain have opened a 'preliminary sex abuse investigation' into the actions of RFEF president Luis Rubiales after he kissed Jenni Hermoso without consent.
Hermoso, 33, played the full 90 minutes of Spain's dramatic 1-0 win over England to help earn Spain their first Women's World Cup crown in Sydney. Rubiales, 46, was present at the medal ceremony after full-time and was seen grabbing Hermoso by her head before planting an unexpected kiss on her lips.
AFP published details from Spanish authorities, which said "prosecutors from the national court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault."
The Prosecutor's Office has launched the investigation due to the fact "the sexual act was not consented." Hermoso commented after the final that she 'did not like' Rubiales' unsolicited action.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker hammered on Twitter for Luis Rubiales take football fans dub 'pathetic'
It's understood Hermoso will be given the opportunity to file a lawsuit against Rubiales should she desire. However, the Pachuca forward has not officially pressed charges as of yet.
Spain's Sports Tribunal (TAD) is due to meet on Monday to discuss whether it will suspended Rubiales following a request from the government. Spanish Prime Minster Pedro Sanchez has been critical of Rubiales since the controversy in Sydney and suggested the RFEF boss' first attempt at an 'apology' was insufficient.
Rubiales' actions have been widely criticised by prominent figures across the football community, with all 23 members of the Women's World Cup-winning squad penning a letter in support of their team-mate. Real Betis frontman Borja Iglesias has also publicly stated his support and insisted he'll refuse to play for Spain while Rubiales still holds office.
It was reported on Monday that Rubiales' mother, Angeles Bejar, had locked herself in the Divina Pastora church in the southern Spanish town of Motril and gone on hunger strike. She criticised the 'inhuman hunt' against her son, who was elected president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation in May 2018.
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Vanessa Ruiz – Rubiales' cousin, who has acted as a spokesperson for her family in Motril – commented: "We are suffering a lot for him. He has been judged before his time. They [the media] don't stop harassing us. We had to leave our house. We want them to leave us alone and for Jenni to tell the truth. It's not fair."
On top of the kiss debacle, Rubiales was also scrutinised for grabbing his crotch in celebration while stood next to Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, Sofia. Despite the overwhelming pressure to step down from his role as RFEF chief, the former Atletico Madrid academy player has maintained he won't resign.
- Women’s World Cup
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