The Civil Guard Victims of Terrorism Team has become a notable focal point in the Rubiales case, particularly as the National Court issues directions regarding a non-consensual kiss that the former RFEF president allegedly gave to Jenni Hermoso after the World Cup final held in Australia and New Zealand.
Sources tied to the association, consulted for this report, indicated that their involvement extends beyond the Rubiales case. They are looking to broaden their work to other victims of violence, including women who have faced sexual assaults, as in the Hermoso case. Their action in this direction reflects a broader concern with protecting civilians who are victims of terrorism, while also addressing ongoing cases that bear on public violence and its consequences.
Judge Francisco de Jorge permitted their appearance but set a bail of 15,000 euros to cover their defense costs. Although this form of deposit is common in such matters, the association viewed the amount as excessive and raised concerns about proportionality and the burden placed on civil society organizations involved in high-profile legal processes.
Rubiales appealed the decision
In response, Rubiales’ legal team pressed to have the relationship regarded as a popular accusation in the case against him. The matter is expected to be reviewed by a Criminal Division at a national level, and decisions here will influence how the two sources are treated within the proceedings and the scope of public interest in the accusations.
Alongside the Civil Guard Victims of Terrorism Team, the AFE union has emerged as a prominent voice within the sphere of football governance. While its influence is substantial in men’s football circles, it has a more limited footprint in women’s football. The judge, however, assigned the legal management of the popular charge to these groups, a move that diverges from the more conventional approach typically observed in similar cases.
In this evolving landscape, the existence of these two popular accusations was already known. Jorge Vilda confirmed that he was under investigation, as did RFEF’s marketing manager, Reuben Rivera. Vilda himself denied any pressure exerted on Hermoso but acknowledged that he sought to speak with the footballer’s brother to help ease tensions arising after the non-consensual kiss.
Contextually, observers note that the involvement of civilian groups like the Civil Guard Victims of Terrorism Team and trade unions signals a broader shift in how consent and violence in sport-related incidents are addressed in court. The dynamics of popular accusations, the role of advocacy organizations, and the application of the legal standards in cases touching on sexual misconduct and public figures continue to unfold in parallel with the investigation and subsequent rulings. The public record remains shaped by ongoing testimony, official statements, and procedural rulings that guide how victims’ voices are represented within the judicial process.