Rubiales to face trial for unwanted World Cup kiss, judge confirms

The court announced that Rubiales will face trial for the non-consensual kissing of Spanish national team player Hermoso at the conclusion of the World Cup final in Sydney on August 20, 2023, as well as for the subsequent coercion to publicly state that it was consensual.

The trial will take place at the Audiencia Nacional, a Madrid court specializing in complex cases, with the date yet to be determined, according to Judge Francisco de Jorge in the court statement.

The public prosecution has requested a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Luis Rubiales - one year for sexual assault and 18 months for coercion.

Additionally, the prosecution is seeking two years of probation after serving the sentence and a compensation of 50,000 euros (£43k) to be paid to the player.

Judge De Jorge has instructed Rubiales to provide a bail of 65,000 euros (£55.9k) within 24 hours to cover any potential civil liabilities.

Furthermore, the judge confirmed that former La Roja women's coach Jorge Vilda and two former federation officials will also stand trial for the alleged coercion of Hermoso.

Rubiales caused international outrage by kissing Hermoso without consent during the medal ceremony following Spain's victory over England in the World Cup in Australia last year.

The former RFEF chief, who is also being investigated in a separate corruption case related to his tenure at the federation, has denied any misconduct.