Luis Rubiales: Jenni Hermoso files legal complaint over Women's World Cup final kiss

Jenni Hermoso has filed a legal complaint over the kiss by Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales.

Rubiales claims the kiss was "mutual and "consensual", but has been provisionally suspended by football's world governing body Fifa.

The complaint means the 46-year-old could face criminal charges.

On 29 August, Spanish prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incident amounts to a crime of sexual assault.

At the time, Spain's top criminal court said it was opening its investigation in light of the "unequivocal nature" of 33-year-old Hermoso's statements, saying it was necessary "to determine their legal significance".

"Given the public statements made by Jennifer Hermoso, the sexual act she was subjected to by Luis Rubiales was not consensual," a statement said.

It added that legal experts would also contact her "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".

The statement added: "In order to proceed with a case for sexual assault, harassment or sexual abuse, it will be necessary for the injured party or their legal representative to file suit, or the public prosecutors' office."

It is reported Hermoso filed her complaint on Tuesday.

• The kiss that shook Spanish and global football

Rubiales, who prior to the kiss had been seen grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain's 1-0 win over England, has repeatedly refused to resign from his position.

On Friday, Spain's national sports tribunal (TAD) opened a misconduct case against him, ruling he had committed a "serious offence" by kissing Hermoso.

However, the TAD stopped short of the "very serious offence" the government had requested which would have led to his suspension.

Some 81 Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, have said they will not play for the team again while Rubiales is in charge.

They are due to play in Uefa Nations League qualifying later this month, with fixtures against Sweden and Switzerland on 22 and 26 September.

On Tuesday, Spain's World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda - considered a close ally of Rubiales - was sacked, with Montse Tome named as his successor.

The Spanish men's team criticised Rubiales on Monday for his "unacceptable behaviour".

However, Spain and Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal was criticised for then saying he would not judge whether Hermoso was a victim or not until the legal process was completed.

Speaking in an interview with Spanish radio Onda Cero on Tuesday, he said: "There are legal bodies that are considering whether Jennifer is really a victim of something that is being investigated.

"There are people who have to decide whether there is an offender and a victim."

Attempting to explain his comments on Wednesday, Carvajal said that "Rubiales should be supported in the same way as Jenni Hermoso" in this process.

He added: "I can understand that Jenni is going through a bad time, we have to show my solidarity. However, I don't think the president is having a good time either. I am not here to judge anyone.

"The presumption of innocence is a constitutional right. You cannot victimise or blame anyone."

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