Luis Rubiales, the former director of the Spanish football federation, will go on trial for sexual assault after he kissed Jenni Hermoso, a player for the Women’s World Cup, without her consent.
The kiss, described as “unwanted” by Ms. Hermoso, occurred after England’s 1-0 World Cup victory last year and garnered international attention.
Despite being made to quit, Mr. Rubiales has denied any misconduct.
On Wednesday, a judge of the Spanish High Court announced that Mr. Rubiales was also charged with coercion.
The incident cast a shadow over a momentous occasion for the Spanish women’s team, who were on August 20, 2023, enjoying their first-ever World Cup victory.
Mr. Rubiales put his hands around Ms. Hermoso’s head and kissed her at the trophy presentation ceremony.
