Spain opens preliminary probe to find out if football chief sexually assaulted player after WWC

Prosecutors at Spain’s top criminal court said on Monday that they had opened a preliminary investigation into Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales’ forcible kiss on the lips of World Cup player Jenni Hermoso on grounds it could constitute a crime of “sexual assault”.

“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.

Fifa initially provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90 days but the 46-year-old could face a longer suspension from the Spanish government, if the sports court opens proceedings against Rubiales for “very serious” offences or an “abuse of authority”.

Spain’s top sports court was meeting online. The Spanish government has said it will take action against Rubiales if the sports court gives them the go-ahead.

After Spain won the Women’s World Cup in Sydney on August 20, Rubiales sparked a massive backlash after forcibly kissing Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony.

Hermoso later said the unwanted kiss had left her feeling “vulnerable and like the victim of an assault”, with a statement on social media describing it as “an impulsive, macho...

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