NEW DELHI: Spanish prosecutors at the country's highest criminal court have announced the initiation of a preliminary inquiry into an incident involving Luis Rubiales.
The investigation stems from Rubiales forcibly kissing World Cup player Jenni Hermoso on the lips, with the potential allegation of it constituting a "sexual assault" under the law.
"Prosecutors from the National Court have opened a preliminary investigation to look into the facts, which could constitute an offence of sexual assault," a court statement said.
They would also contact Hermoso to offer her a chance to file a suit within 15 days, the statement said.
Following Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup in Sydney on August 20, Luis Rubiales ignited significant criticism by forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony.
Hermoso subsequently expressed that the unwarranted kiss had left her feeling "vulnerable" and akin to "the victim of an assault." In a social media post, she referred to it as an "impulsive, macho act" devoid of any consent from her.
The court has now initiated an investigation due to the unequivocal nature of Hermoso's statements, aiming to ascertain the legal implications of the incident.
"Given the public statements made by Jennifer Hermoso, the sexual act she was subjected to by (Luis) Rubiales was not consensual," the court statement said.
Legal experts would also contact the player "to offer her the option of legal action, giving her the chance to contact National Court prosecutors within 15 days for information about her rights as a victim of an alleged sexual assault... should she wish to file a complaint", it said.
FIFA suspended Rubiales as president of Spain's RFEF football federation at the weekend, and he could face further sanctions in Spain with the country's National Sports Council (CSD) meeting on Monday to discuss to examine the complaints against him.
(With AFP inputs)
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