Madrid: Prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil has taken a significant step by filing a complaint in Spain's high court against Luis Rubiales, the president of the football federation. 

The complaint alleges potential charges of sexual assault and coercion in connection with an alleged non-consensual kiss involving female player Jenni Hermoso, which occurred last month.

According to Spanish publication El Pais, the complaint states that Hermoso experienced harassment, which prevented her from living freely and peacefully. 

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The player also claimed that she and her immediate family faced constant and repeated pressure from Rubiales and his professional associates to justify and approve the incident.

The complaint submitted by the prosecutor aims to have Rubiales, aged 46, placed under formal investigation to determine whether criminal charges can be brought against him. 

The Spanish prosecutor's office recently outlined that a sexual assault conviction could result in a prison sentence of one to four years.

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Rubiales faced widespread criticism for kissing Hermoso on the lips shortly after Spain's Women's World Cup final victory against England in Australia last month. While Rubiales insisted that the kiss was consensual, Hermoso contradicted his claim.

This formal complaint to Spain's high court comes following Hermoso's filing of a criminal complaint against Rubiales, accusing him of sexual assault.

The controversy surrounding Rubiales led to calls for his resignation from several figures within the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). 

However, he has thus far refused to step down. During an extraordinary general assembly, Rubiales asserted that "a social assassination is taking place." FIFA, the governing body of world football, imposed a 90-day suspension on him while conducting an investigation.

Jorge Vilda, the coach of the victorious Spanish team in Australia last month and a key ally of Rubiales, initially refrained from criticizing the RFEF president but later condemned his actions. Vilda's contract was terminated on September 5.

Prior to Vilda's dismissal, several members of his coaching staff resigned, and at least 81 female players expressed their refusal to represent the national team as long as Rubiales remained associated with it. 

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This ongoing saga has stirred discussions not only about the conduct of sports officials but also about the broader issues of consent, harassment, and accountability in the realm of professional sports.