Disgraced former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales will appeal at the Supreme Court the confirmation of his 10,800-euro fine for forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso, his lawyer said on Wednesday. After a keenly awaited trial that gripped the country, Spain's top criminal court in February found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for the kiss at the 2023 Women's World Cup that generated global outrage. The Audiencia Nacional also cleared him of a separate accusation of coercion for allegedly forcing Hermoso to downplay the incident afterwards.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-england-and-liverpool-star-adam-lallana-announces-retirement-1750850363770">Former England and Brighton star Adam Lallana announces retirement</a>Both parties contested the sentence, which fell short of the two and a half year prison term sought by prosecutors and infuriated feminist groups that condemned the punishment as too lenient.Rubiales maintained the kiss was a consensual "peck" between friends celebrating during the medal ceremony after star forward Hermoso had just helped Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, denying any coercion.The court said in a statement on Wednesday that it had rejected the appeals of the defence team and the prosecutors, maintaining the conviction and the fine."The kiss was not consensual" and Hermoso "expressed her displeasure with what happened, as she herself confirmed in the trial, as well as her teammates", the court wrote."It cannot be said that a kiss in those circumstances was frequent or common or usual."It also confirmed that Rubiales, former women's national team manager Jorge Vilda and two former senior federation officials, Albert Luque and Ruben Rivera, were cleared of the coercion charge.Rubiales's lawyer Olga Tubau told AFP that he would appeal the verdict at the Supreme Court.Football federation in turmoil A separate request by the prosecutors to rerun the trial, notably due to doubts over the judge's impartiality, was dismissed.The court also maintained a ban on Rubiales from going within a 200-metre radius of Hermoso and from communicating with her for one year.The kiss sparked a global uproar that forced Rubiales to relinquish his post, saw him banned from all football-related activity for three years and plunged the federation into a prolonged period of turmoil.The affair made Hermoso, the all-time top scorer for the national women's team, an icon of the fight against sexism and macho culture in sport.Rubiales is also embroiled in an investigation into alleged financial irregularities totalling millions of euros related to the Spanish Super Cup's relocation to Saudi Arabia, which involved a company owned by Barcelona great Gerard Pique.Rubiales has dismissed the allegations as "falsehoods".Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rubiales maintained the kiss was a consensual "peck" between friends celebrating during the medal ceremony after star forward Hermoso had just helped Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, denying any coercion.

Disgraced former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales will appeal at the Supreme Court the confirmation of his 10,800-euro fine for forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso, his lawyer said on Wednesday. After a keenly awaited trial that gripped the country, Spain's top criminal court in February found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for the kiss at the 2023 Women's World Cup that generated global outrage. The Audiencia Nacional also cleared him of a separate accusation of coercion for allegedly forcing Hermoso to downplay the incident afterwards. Also Read - Former England and Brighton star Adam Lallana announces retirement Both parties contested the sentence, which fell short of the two and a half year prison term sought by prosecutors and infuriated feminist groups that condemned the punishment as too lenient. Rubiales maintained the kiss was a consensual "peck" between friends celebrating during the medal ceremony after star forward Hermoso had just helped Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, denying any coercion. The court said in a statement on Wednesday that it had rejected the appeals of the defence team and the prosecutors, maintaining the conviction and the fine. "The kiss was not consensual" and Hermoso "expressed her displeasure with what happened, as she herself confirmed in the trial, as well as her teammates", the court wrote. "It cannot be said that a kiss in those circumstances was frequent or common or usual." It also confirmed that Rubiales, former women's national team manager Jorge Vilda and two former senior federation officials, Albert Luque and Ruben Rivera, were cleared of the coercion charge. Rubiales's lawyer Olga Tubau told AFP that he would appeal the verdict at the Supreme Court. Football federation in turmoil A separate request by the prosecutors to rerun the trial, notably due to doubts over the judge's impartiality, was dismissed. The court also maintained a ban on Rubiales from going within a 200-metre radius of Hermoso and from communicating with her for one year. The kiss sparked a global uproar that forced Rubiales to relinquish his post, saw him banned from all football-related activity for three years and plunged the federation into a prolonged period of turmoil. The affair made Hermoso, the all-time top scorer for the national women's team, an icon of the fight against sexism and macho culture in sport. Rubiales is also embroiled in an investigation into alleged financial irregularities totalling millions of euros related to the Spanish Super Cup's relocation to Saudi Arabia, which involved a company owned by Barcelona great Gerard Pique. Rubiales has dismissed the allegations as "falsehoods". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rubiales maintained the kiss was a consensual "peck" between friends celebrating during the medal ceremony after star forward Hermoso had just helped Spain beat England in the final in Sydney, denying any coercion.

Luis Rubiales, disgraced ex-Spain football chief, to appeal against court verdict in 'Hermoso kissing' case

World Cup winners Spain guaranteed their place at this year's Olympics in Paris with a crushing 3-0 win over the Netherlands in Seville in the Nations Cup semi-final on Friday.

France, who have already qualified as hosts for the Olympics, beat Germany 2-1 in the other semi-final meaning the final place in Paris will be taken by either the Germans or the Dutch who will meet in the third-place play-off.

Jenni Hermoso put the Spanish on track, latching on to a neat pass from Aitana Bonmati to net the opener after 43 minutes.

Hermoso had also scored on her return to action last October in her first game back for her country after disgraced former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed her during the World Cup medal ceremony.

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Two minutes later, Bonmati turned from provider to finisher as she got on the end of Mariona Caldentey's low cross from the left to make it 2-0.

Ona Batlle bundled in a third after 77 minutes to seal the win and extend Spain's impressive record to just two defeats in their last 20 games.

In Lyon, an unmarked Kadidiatou Diani put France ahead against the Germans with a low half-volley four minutes before the break.

Moments later, in added time at the end of the first half, Lena Oberdorf mistimed a sliding tackle on Marie-Antoinette Katoto in the area to hand France a penalty which Sakina Karchaoui slotted past Merle Frohms in the German goal.

Giulia Gwinn pulled one back from the penalty spot eight minutes from the end but France held on for the win.

France will now meet Spain in the Nations League final on Wednesday while Germany and Netherlands will battle it out in the third-place play-off with an Olympic place on the line.

World Cup winners Spain guaranteed their place at this year's Olympics in Paris with a crushing 3-0 win over the Netherlands in Seville in the Nations Cup semi-final on Friday.

World Cup winners Spain guaranteed their place at this year's Olympics in Paris with a crushing 3-0 win over the Netherlands in Seville in the Nations Cup semi-final on Friday. France, who have already qualified as hosts for the Olympics, beat Germany 2-1 in the other semi-final meaning the final place in Paris will be taken by either the Germans or the Dutch who will meet in the third-place play-off. Jenni Hermoso put the Spanish on track, latching on to a neat pass from Aitana Bonmati to net the opener after 43 minutes. Hermoso had also scored on her return to action last October in her first game back for her country after disgraced former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed her during the World Cup medal ceremony. ALSO READ: Paris Olympics 2024: Russia loses appeal against IOC suspension Two minutes later, Bonmati turned from provider to finisher as she got on the end of Mariona Caldentey's low cross from the left to make it 2-0. Ona Batlle bundled in a third after 77 minutes to seal the win and extend Spain's impressive record to just two defeats in their last 20 games. In Lyon, an unmarked Kadidiatou Diani put France ahead against the Germans with a low half-volley four minutes before the break. Moments later, in added time at the end of the first half, Lena Oberdorf mistimed a sliding tackle on Marie-Antoinette Katoto in the area to hand France a penalty which Sakina Karchaoui slotted past Merle Frohms in the German goal. Giulia Gwinn pulled one back from the penalty spot eight minutes from the end but France held on for the win. France will now meet Spain in the Nations League final on Wednesday while Germany and Netherlands will battle it out in the third-place play-off with an Olympic place on the line.

Paris Games 2024: Spain women's team bags historic Olympic spot with win over Netherlands

Women's World Cup winners Spain have moved to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time, displacing Sweden from the number one spot, world soccer's governing body said on Friday. The world champions are only the fourth team to reach the summit of the rankings after the United States, Germany and Sweden.

Spain beat England in the World Cup final in August, moving up four spots to second. But they have finally clinched top spot following a string of impressive performances in the UEFA Women's Nations League.

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Spain topped their group with five wins -- including a double over Sweden -- to qualify for the Nations League Finals which will take place in February, when they will face the Netherlands in the semis.

The U.S. moved up to second in the rankings and are followed by France in third spot. France also qualified for the Nations League Finals where they will face Germany in the other semi-final.

European champions England, who missed out on a Paris Olympics berth, are fourth while Sweden have dropped to fifth after they finished third in their Nations League group with just two wins in six games.

The number of teams in the women's rankings also grew to a record 192 nations with the introduction of Central African Republic and Macau while North Korea (ninth), American Samoa, Madagascar and Bahamas reappear on the list.

Women's World Cup winners Spain have moved to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time, displacing Sweden from the number one spot, world soccer's governing body said on Friday.

Women's World Cup winners Spain have moved to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time, displacing Sweden from the number one spot, world soccer's governing body said on Friday. The world champions are only the fourth team to reach the summit of the rankings after the United States, Germany and Sweden. Spain beat England in the World Cup final in August, moving up four spots to second. But they have finally clinched top spot following a string of impressive performances in the UEFA Women's Nations League. ALSO READ: Top Australian swimmers opt out of Doha world championships Spain topped their group with five wins -- including a double over Sweden -- to qualify for the Nations League Finals which will take place in February, when they will face the Netherlands in the semis. The U.S. moved up to second in the rankings and are followed by France in third spot. France also qualified for the Nations League Finals where they will face Germany in the other semi-final. European champions England, who missed out on a Paris Olympics berth, are fourth while Sweden have dropped to fifth after they finished third in their Nations League group with just two wins in six games. The number of teams in the women's rankings also grew to a record 192 nations with the introduction of Central African Republic and Macau while North Korea (ninth), American Samoa, Madagascar and Bahamas reappear on the list.

Spain claim top spot in Women’s FIFA rankings for first time

Spain's women players want to "just stick to football" after they ended their boycott of the national team that started after former Spanish Federation (RFEF) boss Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following their World Cup triumph, midfielder Aitana Bonmati said.

UEFA Women's Player of the Year and World Cup MVP Bonmati acknowledged that she and her team mates are relieved that they can now concentrate on their day job following "an exhausting" month-long standoff that ended last Wednesday after the RFEF agreed to make "immediate and profound changes" to its structure.

They had time for only one training session before travelling to Gothenburg, where they battled to a cathartic 3-2 win over top ranked Sweden in their Nations League Group A showdown on Friday.

"We are setting an example on a sporting and social levels, that men and women should be treated equally," Bonmati told a press conference at Cordoba on Monday, on the eve of their match against Switzerland. "The first few days were complicated, with stress, anxiety, but as the days have gone by things have changed. We have now been able to focus on football, which is what we want.

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"We want to get back to normality knowing that there are many things to improve, that have been discussed, and that there are commitments on all sides to make this go better and to leave a good legacy and good conditions for all generations to come."

Rubiales' actions not only overshadowed the team's World Cup triumph, but snowballed into a "Me Too" moment that had been building for years as the players had been trying to combat sexism and achieve parity with their male peers for nearly a decade.

That included two dressing room rebellions that ended the international careers of several players before they finally accomplished change thanks to the latest boycott.

"(Gender equality) is a global struggle and all the players feel it is a little bit our own," Bonmati said. "We are here to play football but we have a loudspeaker and a responsibility to leave football and women in a better place than we found it."

Between six and nine RFEF' senior officials will be invited to leave their jobs or will be sacked as part of a deal to end the boycott, a federation source told Reuters.

Secretary general Andreu Camps and Miguel Garcia Caba, director of integrity, were the first to be removed from their positions, RFEF announced over the weekend.

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Spain's women players want to "just stick to football" after they ended their boycott of the national team that started after former Spanish Federation (RFEF) boss Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following their World Cup triumph, midfielder Aitana Bonmati said.

Spain's women players want to "just stick to football" after they ended their boycott of the national team that started after former Spanish Federation (RFEF) boss Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips following their World Cup triumph, midfielder Aitana Bonmati said. UEFA Women's Player of the Year and World Cup MVP Bonmati acknowledged that she and her team mates are relieved that they can now concentrate on their day job following "an exhausting" month-long standoff that ended last Wednesday after the RFEF agreed to make "immediate and profound changes" to its structure. They had time for only one training session before travelling to Gothenburg, where they battled to a cathartic 3-2 win over top ranked Sweden in their Nations League Group A showdown on Friday. "We are setting an example on a sporting and social levels, that men and women should be treated equally," Bonmati told a press conference at Cordoba on Monday, on the eve of their match against Switzerland. "The first few days were complicated, with stress, anxiety, but as the days have gone by things have changed. We have now been able to focus on football, which is what we want. ALSO READ: Spain's Alexia Putellas and two other players to testify in Luis Rubiales case "We want to get back to normality knowing that there are many things to improve, that have been discussed, and that there are commitments on all sides to make this go better and to leave a good legacy and good conditions for all generations to come." Rubiales' actions not only overshadowed the team's World Cup triumph, but snowballed into a "Me Too" moment that had been building for years as the players had been trying to combat sexism and achieve parity with their male peers for nearly a decade. That included two dressing room rebellions that ended the international careers of several players before they finally accomplished change thanks to the latest boycott. "(Gender equality) is a global struggle and all the players feel it is a little bit our own," Bonmati said. "We are here to play football but we have a loudspeaker and a responsibility to leave football and women in a better place than we found it." Between six and nine RFEF' senior officials will be invited to leave their jobs or will be sacked as part of a deal to end the boycott, a federation source told Reuters. Secretary general Andreu Camps and Miguel Garcia Caba, director of integrity, were the first to be removed from their positions, RFEF announced over the weekend. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spain's women players back with 'sticking to football' after ending boycott: Bonmati

Six Spain players arrived at a Madrid hotel to join their women's national team camp on Tuesday, five of whom are currently striking over changes they want made in the Spanish football federation (RFEF).

Spain's women's World Cup final-winning goal scorer Olga Carmona and four others presented themselves, along with Athenea del Castillo, who is not on strike, while other players are expected to join up later for the camp in Oliva according to Spanish media reports.

Asked by a reporter if she was happy to be included in the squad, goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez replied "no" on her arrival to the hotel.

The striking players issued a statement Monday in which they reiterated their wish not to be called up, but acknowledged legal consequences which may force them to attend.

The Spanish government said early on Tuesday players who do not attend would have to be punished under the country's sports law.

New Spain coach Montse Tome named a surprise 23-woman squad on Monday for upcoming Nations League qualifiers including 20 players who said they were striking until further changes were made in the RFEF after the kiss scandal which rocked Spanish football.

Disgraced former federation president Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the World Cup in Sydney on August 20, provoking worldwide outrage.

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Rubiales eventually resigned three weeks after the incident and controversial coach Jorge Vilda was sacked, but many players want more wide-ranging improvements and structural changes.

As many as 39 players are on strike against the RFEF but they were told by the government early Tuesday that those who did not attend the team's camps when called up would have to be punished.

Hermoso was not named in the squad by Tome in order to "protect" her, the new coach, Vilda's former assistant, said Monday.

"Protect me from what? And from whom?" Hermoso posted on X, formerly Twitter, early Tuesday.

She accused the Spanish federation of seeking to "intimidate and threaten" the World Cup champion players by calling them up against their will for the upcoming matches.

Victor Francos, the president of Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD), said early Tuesday he would have to apply the country's sports law against any player who snubbed the call.

"If they don't turn up, the government would have to apply the law, which is a pity for me, but the law is the law," Francos told radio station Cadena Ser.

Spain's sports law from 2022 states that athletes must attend the call-ups of the national teams when summoned, and not doing so would be a "very serious" infraction.

The potential fines range between 3,000 and 30,000 euros ($3,200 to $32,100), while they could also lose their licenses to play altogether, for up to five years.

The decision on a potential punishment would be made by Spain's top sports court at the request of the CSD.

Spain play Sweden on September 22 and Switzerland on September 26 in the Nations League.

The eventual finalists of the Nations League will qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.

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Six Spain players arrived at a Madrid hotel to join their women's national team camp on Tuesday, five of whom are currently striking over changes they want made in the Spanish football federation (RFEF).

Six Spain players arrived at a Madrid hotel to join their women's national team camp on Tuesday, five of whom are currently striking over changes they want made in the Spanish football federation (RFEF). Spain's women's World Cup final-winning goal scorer Olga Carmona and four others presented themselves, along with Athenea del Castillo, who is not on strike, while other players are expected to join up later for the camp in Oliva according to Spanish media reports. Asked by a reporter if she was happy to be included in the squad, goalkeeper Misa Rodriguez replied "no" on her arrival to the hotel. The striking players issued a statement Monday in which they reiterated their wish not to be called up, but acknowledged legal consequences which may force them to attend. The Spanish government said early on Tuesday players who do not attend would have to be punished under the country's sports law. New Spain coach Montse Tome named a surprise 23-woman squad on Monday for upcoming Nations League qualifiers including 20 players who said they were striking until further changes were made in the RFEF after the kiss scandal which rocked Spanish football. Disgraced former federation president Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain won the World Cup in Sydney on August 20, provoking worldwide outrage. ALSO READ: Out-of-favour Jenni Hermoso says Spain squad announcement shows 'nothing has changed' Rubiales eventually resigned three weeks after the incident and controversial coach Jorge Vilda was sacked, but many players want more wide-ranging improvements and structural changes. As many as 39 players are on strike against the RFEF but they were told by the government early Tuesday that those who did not attend the team's camps when called up would have to be punished. Hermoso was not named in the squad by Tome in order to "protect" her, the new coach, Vilda's former assistant, said Monday. "Protect me from what? And from whom?" Hermoso posted on X, formerly Twitter, early Tuesday. She accused the Spanish federation of seeking to "intimidate and threaten" the World Cup champion players by calling them up against their will for the upcoming matches. Victor Francos, the president of Spain's High Council for Sports (CSD), said early Tuesday he would have to apply the country's sports law against any player who snubbed the call. "If they don't turn up, the government would have to apply the law, which is a pity for me, but the law is the law," Francos told radio station Cadena Ser. Spain's sports law from 2022 states that athletes must attend the call-ups of the national teams when summoned, and not doing so would be a "very serious" infraction. The potential fines range between 3,000 and 30,000 euros ($3,200 to $32,100), while they could also lose their licenses to play altogether, for up to five years. The decision on a potential punishment would be made by Spain's top sports court at the request of the CSD. Spain play Sweden on September 22 and Switzerland on September 26 in the Nations League. The eventual finalists of the Nations League will qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

6 woman Spain players, including 5 on strike, join squad in Madrid amid punishment warning under law

Spain's High Court on Friday imposed a restraining order to prevent former soccer chief Luis Rubiales approaching national team player Jenni Hermoso, as he appeared in court to be investigated for sexual assault for kissing her on the lips.

The incident, which occurred at the medal ceremony after Spain's women's team won the World Cup in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 20, has triggered a furore over sexism in Spanish sport and society and prompted protests similar to the "Me Too" movement.

Rubiales, 46, insists the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso says it was forced on her.

The order prevents Rubiales trying to contact Hermoso or coming within 200 metres of her, according to a court statement. Judge Francisco de Jorge rejected a request by the prosecution that Rubiales should report to the court every two weeks.

Dressed in a black suit over a white shirt, Rubiales left the High Court in Madrid with his lawyer Olga Tubau following a closed-door investigative hearing that lasted about an hour. He did not speak to the media waiting outside.

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During the testimony, Rubiales denied the accusations, according to a statement by the prosecutor's office.

After weeks of resisting calls from players, politicians and women's groups to step down as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rubiales finally quit on Sept. 10.

But he remains unrepentant, saying he acted with consent in a moment of celebration and joy.

As he went to court, local media reported that female players, including the World Cup-wining squad, planned to continue their boycott of the national side until there were further changes in the federation set-up.

After Hermoso told prosecutors that Rubiales kissed her on the mouth without her consent while holding her head with both hands - a moment seen by millions on television - state prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil filed a judicial complaint.

She added a possible crime of coercion after Hermoso said she and her relatives had been put under pressure by Rubiales and his entourage to say that she had approved what happened.

<h2>'Proving consent crucial'</h2>

De Jorge leads the investigation, which must precede any formal charges under Spanish law and will decide whether the case goes to trial. If it does, he could be jailed for between one and four years.

"In criminal proceedings, being able to prove consent becomes crucial," said legal expert Gonzalo Jimenez, partner at law firm Martinez Echevarria.

He said it was important to prove malice or intentionality to make a sexual action punishable as assault.

De Jorge has ordered media, including state broadcaster TVE, to send him footage of the incident and subsequent videos such as one with the players celebrating on a bus with Rubiales and referring to the kiss in what appeared to be a light-hearted manner. The investigation could take several months.

"We can stand up what we said from the beginning. It was a kiss without consent, everyone saw the images," Hermoso's lawyer Carla Vall told reporters after the hearing.

The legal case will also be a public test of the leftist coalition government's flagship "Solo sí es sí" (Only yes is yes) law, which puts consent at the heart of sexual relations.

Many players, sports bodies and politicians have backed Hermoso in a campaign coalescing around the hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) on social media.

More than 80 of Spain's top female players, including the 23 world champions, have refused to play for the national team until there are changes in the RFEF management line-up and style.

On Friday, the players told the RFEF they would continue with their boycott despite Rubiales' resignation and the replacement of team coach Jorge Vilda with his assistant Montse Tome.

Spain's male-dominated football establishment was dealt another blow on Thursday when police arrested three Real Madrid youth players on accusation of distributing a sexual video featuring a minor.

The mother of a 16-year-old in the Canary Islands filed a complaint about the video, which she said had been taken without her consent, police said.

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Spain's High Court on Friday imposed a restraining order to prevent former soccer chief Luis Rubiales approaching national team player Jenni Hermoso, as he appeared in court to be investigated for sexual assault for kissing her on the lips.

Spain's High Court on Friday imposed a restraining order to prevent former soccer chief Luis Rubiales approaching national team player Jenni Hermoso, as he appeared in court to be investigated for sexual assault for kissing her on the lips. The incident, which occurred at the medal ceremony after Spain's women's team won the World Cup in Sydney, Australia, on Aug. 20, has triggered a furore over sexism in Spanish sport and society and prompted protests similar to the "Me Too" movement. Rubiales, 46, insists the kiss was consensual, while Hermoso says it was forced on her. The order prevents Rubiales trying to contact Hermoso or coming within 200 metres of her, according to a court statement. Judge Francisco de Jorge rejected a request by the prosecution that Rubiales should report to the court every two weeks. Dressed in a black suit over a white shirt, Rubiales left the High Court in Madrid with his lawyer Olga Tubau following a closed-door investigative hearing that lasted about an hour. He did not speak to the media waiting outside. ALSO READ: US investment firm 777 Partners agrees to $685mn deal for Everton FC takeover During the testimony, Rubiales denied the accusations, according to a statement by the prosecutor's office. After weeks of resisting calls from players, politicians and women's groups to step down as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rubiales finally quit on Sept. 10. But he remains unrepentant, saying he acted with consent in a moment of celebration and joy. As he went to court, local media reported that female players, including the World Cup-wining squad, planned to continue their boycott of the national side until there were further changes in the federation set-up. After Hermoso told prosecutors that Rubiales kissed her on the mouth without her consent while holding her head with both hands - a moment seen by millions on television - state prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil filed a judicial complaint. She added a possible crime of coercion after Hermoso said she and her relatives had been put under pressure by Rubiales and his entourage to say that she had approved what happened. 'Proving consent crucial' De Jorge leads the investigation, which must precede any formal charges under Spanish law and will decide whether the case goes to trial. If it does, he could be jailed for between one and four years. "In criminal proceedings, being able to prove consent becomes crucial," said legal expert Gonzalo Jimenez, partner at law firm Martinez Echevarria. He said it was important to prove malice or intentionality to make a sexual action punishable as assault. De Jorge has ordered media, including state broadcaster TVE, to send him footage of the incident and subsequent videos such as one with the players celebrating on a bus with Rubiales and referring to the kiss in what appeared to be a light-hearted manner. The investigation could take several months. "We can stand up what we said from the beginning. It was a kiss without consent, everyone saw the images," Hermoso's lawyer Carla Vall told reporters after the hearing. The legal case will also be a public test of the leftist coalition government's flagship "Solo sí es sí" (Only yes is yes) law, which puts consent at the heart of sexual relations. Many players, sports bodies and politicians have backed Hermoso in a campaign coalescing around the hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) on social media. More than 80 of Spain's top female players, including the 23 world champions, have refused to play for the national team until there are changes in the RFEF management line-up and style. On Friday, the players told the RFEF they would continue with their boycott despite Rubiales' resignation and the replacement of team coach Jorge Vilda with his assistant Montse Tome. Spain's male-dominated football establishment was dealt another blow on Thursday when police arrested three Real Madrid youth players on accusation of distributing a sexual video featuring a minor. The mother of a 16-year-old in the Canary Islands filed a complaint about the video, which she said had been taken without her consent, police said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Spain's High Court imposes restraining order on Luis Rubiales as he testifies in kiss row

Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso defended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after he came under fire for kissing her on the lips following the team's Women's World Cup victory on Sunday. Rubiales was criticised on social media for his celebration with Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain beat England 1-0 to lift the trophy for the first time.

"I didn't like it," said Spain midfielder Hermoso on an Instagram live stream after the game, although she was laughing as she spoke.

Later, Hermoso said the moment was a "natural gesture of affection".

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spain-captain-and-goal-scorer-olga-carmona-informed-about-fathers-death-after-winning-womens-world-cup-627415">Spain captain and goal scorer Olga Carmona informed about father's death after winning Women's World Cup</a>

"It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings," said Hermoso, in comments passed to AFP by the Spanish federation. "The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude.

"A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important."

Spain's World Cup charge was tainted by controversy over both the federation and coach Jorge Vilda's relationship with the players.

Several top stars formed part of a 15-player protest against the national team ahead of the tournament, although many relented in their stance and three were included in the squad.

Rubiales was a firm backer of Vilda and the RFEF was criticised for their strong position against the 15 protesting players.

Hermoso, who plays for Mexican side Pachuca, missed a penalty in the match but Spain held on to win through Olga Carmona's first-half strike.

"We played how we wanted to play and we won a World Cup," an emotional Hermoso told Spanish broadcasters La 1, in tears after the game.

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Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso defended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after he came under fire for kissing her on the lips following the team's Women's World Cup victory on Sunday.

Spain midfielder Jenni Hermoso defended Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales after he came under fire for kissing her on the lips following the team's Women's World Cup victory on Sunday. Rubiales was criticised on social media for his celebration with Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain beat England 1-0 to lift the trophy for the first time. "I didn't like it," said Spain midfielder Hermoso on an Instagram live stream after the game, although she was laughing as she spoke. Later, Hermoso said the moment was a "natural gesture of affection". ALSO READ: Spain captain and goal scorer Olga Carmona informed about father's death after winning Women's World Cup "It was a totally spontaneous mutual gesture because of the immense joy that winning a World Cup brings," said Hermoso, in comments passed to AFP by the Spanish federation. "The president and I have a great relationship, his behaviour with all of us has been outstanding and it was a natural gesture of affection and gratitude. "A gesture of friendship and gratitude cannot be gone over so much, we have won a World Cup and we are not going to deviate from what is important." Spain's World Cup charge was tainted by controversy over both the federation and coach Jorge Vilda's relationship with the players. Several top stars formed part of a 15-player protest against the national team ahead of the tournament, although many relented in their stance and three were included in the squad. Rubiales was a firm backer of Vilda and the RFEF was criticised for their strong position against the 15 protesting players. Hermoso, who plays for Mexican side Pachuca, missed a penalty in the match but Spain held on to win through Olga Carmona's first-half strike. "We played how we wanted to play and we won a World Cup," an emotional Hermoso told Spanish broadcasters La 1, in tears after the game. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Women's World Cup: Spanish football prez kisses midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips, latter defends act

Spain scripted history by beating England 1-0 to win their maiden Women’s World Cup on Sunday in Sydney. A solo goal in the 29th minute by full-back Olga Carmona saw Spain remain ahead of the favourites England in the all-important final.

Spain scripted history by beating England 1-0 to win their maiden Women’s World Cup on Sunday in Sydney. A solo goal in the 29th minute by full-back Olga Carmona saw Spain remain ahead of the favourites England in the all-important final. A game that saw too many misses from both sides ended with the Spanish team standing tall after 103 minutes of regular-time play. With the captain leading from the front, Spain created more chances than England during the final, including missing a second-half penalty. In front of a whopping 76,000–plus crowd, this win over England means a lot for Jorge Vilda and the Spanish football federation – who decided to stick with the coach after around 15 players last year said they don't wish to play under the coach. After Germany, USA, Norway and Japan, Spain became the fifth country overall and the third European nation to lift the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. In front of Spain's Queen Letizia, captain and defender Carmona converted her one-shot at goal into a winner in the 29th to see her side take the lead. England coach Sarina Wiegman decided against bringing Chelsea striker Lauren James after her two-match ban, instead went ahead with the same team that defeated host Australia 3-1 in the semis. Playing in their second blue kit, England got an early chance in the fifth minute itself, but Lauren Hemp’s missed opportunity saw no glory for the English side. Spain, banking on this missed chance, made the most of theirs after captain Carmona glided one straight into the right corner to open the scoring for her side. Spain made light work of England in the second half England coach Wiegman, who suffered agony in the summit clash in 2019 when her Netherlands team lost 2-0 to the United States, made a double change at the break. That, however, did make a little switch in momentum to England’s side, but then that’s it. The Spanish team made light work of their opponents amid heavy fouls on players from each side. With 20 minutes left in the game, Spain was awarded a penalty, and after never-ending drama between both sides, Jennifer Hermoso missed the golden chance to double the lead, as England camp looked relieved. The match officials indicated 13 minutes of injury time, and despite all efforts from the English side, including missing a last-second header, they failed to level the score and as a result, fell behind in the race. With a score of 1-0, Spain Women’s Team beat England won and won their first silverware at the World Cups. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Spain win Women's World Cup, beat England 1-0 in final to lift maiden trophy