Why former UEFA vice president could go to prison after shocking World Cup kiss

Spanish prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year jail term for the former head of the country’s football federation, Luis Rubiales. This comes after he allegedly kissed footballer Jenni Hermoso against her will during Spain’s World Cup victory celebration last August. Rubiales faces charges of sexual assault and coercion for the unwanted kiss, which Hermoso and her teammates described as demeaning. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Rubiales was compelled to resign from his position.

Additionally, prosecutor Marta Durantez has charged Rubiales with sexual assault and coercion, with potential prison sentences of one year and 18 months, respectively. Durantez also accused other figures, including the former coach Jorge Vilda, the current sporting director Albert Luque, and the federation’s head of marketing, Ruben Rivera, of pressuring Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual. These individuals face up to 18 months in jail if convicted.