Luis Rubiales: Former Spain FA President Summoned by Judge to Provide Testimony in Controversial World Cup Kiss Investigation

Luis Rubiales has been summoned to provide testimony to a Spanish judge who is investigating the incident wherein the former president of the Spain FA kissed a player during the Women's World Cup.

According to court documents viewed by The Associated Press on Tuesday, Judge Francisco de Jorge has instructed Rubiales to respond to his inquiries on Friday at Spain's National Court in Madrid.

Rubiales was accused by Spanish state prosecutors last week for alleged sexual assault and coercion. This accusation was made after an incident where Rubiales kissed Jennifer Hermoso, a player from Spain, during the awards ceremony in Sydney, Australia. Rubiales claimed that Hermoso had consented to the kiss, but she has since denied this and stated that he pressured her to defend him after the scandal emerged.

Rubiales declared his resignation on Sunday, even though he had already been provisionally suspended by FIFA. De Jorge is currently conducting the initial investigation into the allegations against Rubiales and will subsequently determine if the case warrants a trial.

According to the sexual consent law implemented in Spain in the previous year, Rubiales may be subject to a penalty or imprisonment for a duration ranging from one to four years if proven guilty of committing sexual assault. The recent legislation has eradicated the distinction between "sexual harassment" and "sexual assault," condemning any form of non-consensual sexual activity.

Timeline of events in Rubiales controversy

August 20 - During the World Cup final medal ceremony, Rubiales kisses forward Hermoso on the lips. Hermoso later expresses her dislike for the kiss on social media.

August 20 - The RFEF issues a statement on Hermoso's behalf, stating that the kiss was a spontaneous mutual gesture.

August 21 - Spain's acting culture and sports minister, Miquel Iceta, criticizes Rubiales' behavior as unacceptable. Rubiales releases a video statement apologizing for his actions.

August 22 - Spain's acting Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, condemns Rubiales' conduct as unacceptable and deems his apology insufficient.

August 24 - FIFA begins proceedings against Rubiales.

August 25 - Rubiales defiantly refuses to resign during a press conference.

August 25 - Spain's women's World Cup-winning team announces that they will not play any matches for the country until Rubiales is removed from his position.

August 25 - Hermoso accuses the RFEF of pressuring her to provide a statement justifying Rubiales' actions.

August 26 - The RFEF threatens Hermoso with legal action for her comments. FIFA bans Rubiales from all football-related activities, both domestically and internationally, for an initial period of 90 days.

August 26 - Spain's women's coaching staff, excluding manager Jorge Vilda, resigns in protest. Vilda criticizes Rubiales' behavior later on.

August 28 - Reports surface that Rubiales' mother, Angeles Bejar, is on a hunger strike in protest of her son's treatment by critics.

September 5 - The RFEF apologizes for the significant harm caused by Rubiales' actions.

September 5 - Vilda is fired as Spain's head coach, just 16 days after leading the team to victory in the World Cup.

September 6 - Hermoso files a formal complaint against Rubiales with Spain's national prosecutor's office.

September 10 - Rubiales announces his resignation from his post.

September 12 - A Spanish judge orders Rubiales to testify regarding his kiss with Hermoso.