Former Spanish Football Federation president, Luis Rubiales, has been issued a restraining order to prevent him from approaching Spain’s star player, Jenni Hermoso, after he kissed her on the lips during the Women’s World Cup awards ceremony last month. The incident has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, leading to Rubiales’ resignation and an ongoing investigation.

Prosecutors sought legal action against Rubiales, requesting Judge Francisco de Jorge to impose a restraining order that would prohibit Rubiales from going within 500 meters of the player and prevent any communication with her. However, Judge de Jorge ultimately agreed to the order but with a reduced distance of 200 meters.

During an hour-long hearing, which was closed to the public, Rubiales vehemently denied any wrongdoing when questioned about the controversial kiss. He claimed that Hermoso had consented to the kiss, a statement vehemently denied by Hermoso herself.

The judge’s ruling came after Spanish state prosecutors formally accused Rubiales of sexual assault and an act of coercion last week. Hermoso’s lawyer, Carla Vall i Duran, responded to the situation, stating, “Thanks to the images of the kiss, the entire world has been able to observe that there was no type of consent. And we are going to prove that in the courtroom.”

FIFA has suspended Rubiales while it conducts its investigation into the incident, adding further complications to the situation. This dramatic turn of events led to Rubiales’ resignation as president of the Spanish Football Federation, a position he initially refused to relinquish despite widespread protests.

Judge de Jorge is currently conducting a preliminary investigation into the accusations against Rubiales and will ultimately decide whether the case should proceed to trial. According to Spain’s recent sexual consent law, Rubiales could face a fine or a prison sentence ranging from one to four years if found guilty of sexual assault. This law aims to eliminate the distinction between “sexual harassment” and “sexual assault,” sanctioning any non-consensual sexual act.

Hermoso, who accused Rubiales of sexual assault before joining her Mexican club, Pachuca, expressed her feelings on the matter through social media. She stated, “I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part. Simply put, I was not respected.”