The Madrid court confirmed the information from the Europa Press news agency, which, citing sources in the court, reported that the responsible prosecutor demands a new trial with a new judge “who does not create the impression of bias.”
Last month, the court fined Rubiales 11,000 euros for kissing Spain national team player Jennifer Hermoso on the lips without her consent after the final of the 2023 World Cup. Rubiales was found guilty of sexual violence against Hermoso during the awards ceremony after Spain won the title in Sydney.
The prosecution sought to sentence Rubiales to two and a half years in prison. Many considered this sentence lenient and it faced sharp criticism from women's rights activists, politicians, media, and other observers.
Rubiales initially wanted to remain president of the national federation after the incident, but ultimately resigned in mid-September 2023. FIFA's governing body suspended him from football activities for three years.
