Luis Rubiales faces legal proceedings regarding his actions at the Women's World Cup kissing incident.

Former head of Spain's football federation, Luis Rubiales, has appeared in court in Madrid to respond to a criminal complaint regarding an alleged sexual assault on Spanish player Jenni Hermoso. Rubiales, who recently resigned from his position, entered the national court without making any statements. The 46-year-old claims that the kiss he shared with Hermoso after Spain won the Women's World Cup was consensual. The court will determine whether the case will proceed to trial. Spanish state prosecutors have officially filed a criminal complaint against Rubiales, which will be reviewed by Judge Francisco de Jorge. While Spain's victory in the Women's World Cup was a momentous occasion, Rubiales's actions during the post-match celebrations have overshadowed the achievement. Rubiales has consistently maintained that the kiss was mutual and consensual, while Hermoso, 33, argues that it was not. Prosecutors have added a charge of coercion, claiming that Rubiales pressured Hermoso to defend him in the aftermath of the incident. The Spanish government implemented stricter laws on consent in recent years, following a high-profile rape case in 2016. Under the "Only Yes is Yes" law, Rubiales could face fines or imprisonment if found guilty of sexual assault in the upcoming trial.