Spanish Prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil filed a complaint against Rubiales last week for sexual assault and coercion.

The complaint was accepted by Judge Francisco de Jorge of the National Court on Monday.

An investigation will be conducted by a magistrate, who will recommend either a trial or dismissal of the case.

Under Spanish law, sexual assault can result in a fine or four years in prison.

The Pachuca player Hermoso released a lengthy statement on social media on 25 August saying the kiss was not “consensual”.

As a person who believes no one should be a victim of non-consensual behavior at work, in sports, or in the social sphere, I feel the need to report this incident. “I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulsive, sexist, out-of-place act, without my consent,” she continued.

In my opinion, we should concentrate on football and on what we can control as football professionals.

“I respect Mr Rubiales’ decision completely. Decisions are made when people feel they have to make them.”

Rubiales, who hired De la Fuente as manager in December, was also asked if he felt the need to send him a message.

De la Fuente said, “I have worked at RFEF for 11 years. I have lived a long time before Luis Rubiales came here.”.

My life has been filled with people who have helped me throughout my life. I am grateful to them all. And, no, I have not spoken to him.”