Spanish Prosecutors Call for Re-trial in Rubiales Case
Spanish prosecutors have formally requested a retrial for former football federation chief Luis Rubiales, challenging the impartiality of the judge who presided over his case. This follows Rubiales' recent conviction for sexual assault after forcibly kissing player Jenni Hermoso during Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory celebration.
Last month, Spain’s top criminal court found Rubiales guilty and imposed a fine of 10,800 euros ($11,370), avoiding a prison sentence. The ruling was widely criticized by feminist groups as too lenient. Prosecutors had originally sought a two-and-a-half-year prison term—one year for sexual assault and an additional 18 months for coercion, alleging that Rubiales pressured Hermoso to minimize the incident.
Hermoso has since appealed the ruling, which also acquitted Rubiales and three other defendants of coercion. In their appeal, prosecutors argue that Judge Jose Manuel Fernandez-Prieto demonstrated bias and improperly restricted questioning during the trial. They claim he ignored key evidence and acted arbitrarily in his ruling. As a result, they are demanding that the case be annulled and reassigned to a different judge+.
Fernandez-Prieto drew scrutiny for his abrupt manner during proceedings, frequently interrupting and reprimanding participants. The controversy surrounding the case has fueled widespread debate in Spain, further cementing Hermoso’s role as a symbol of the fight against sexism in sports.
The forced kiss scandal not only led to Rubiales’ resignation in disgrace but also triggered a crisis within Spain’s football federation, highlighting deeper issues of gender inequality in the sport.
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