Madrid – Spain’s former football federation president, Luis Rubiales, has been found guilty of sexual assault for forcibly kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup medal ceremony.
The ruling by Spain’s High Court orders Rubiales to pay a fine of €10,800 (£8,942), though he was acquitted of coercion charges. The incident occurred in Sydney as Spain’s women’s national team celebrated their historic World Cup victory over England.
Rubiales, then head of the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF), grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips in an act that was widely condemned and sparked global outrage. The fallout led to Rubiales’ resignation and catalyzed a broader movement against sexism in Spanish football.
Court Ruling and Penalties
Spain’s High Court ruled that Rubiales had committed sexual assault and imposed the fine in lieu of a prison sentence. Additionally, he has been banned from approaching within 200 meters of Hermoso or communicating with her for one year.
Rubiales has maintained that the kiss was consensual and intends to appeal the verdict. “I am absolutely sure that Jenni gave her consent,” he told the court, describing the act as a “spontaneous gesture of affection.”
However, the court sided with Hermoso, who testified that she had not consented and that the kiss had tarnished one of the most significant moments of her career.
“My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting,” Hermoso told the court. “A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”
Acquittals for Former Federation Officials
Three former RFEF officials—World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, ex-marketing director Rubén Rivera, and former sporting director Albert Luque—were also on trial, accused of pressuring Hermoso into publicly stating that the kiss had been consensual. However, they were acquitted of the coercion charges.
Prosecutors had initially sought a prison sentence for Rubiales, citing not only the non-consensual nature of the kiss but also attempts to manipulate Hermoso’s narrative in the aftermath of the incident. The ruling, however, found insufficient evidence to support the coercion allegations.
Impact on Spanish Football and the ‘Me Too’ Movement
The highly publicized case ignited a wave of protests and calls for reform in Spanish football. The incident fueled a ‘Me Too’-style reckoning within the sport, as female players demanded equal treatment and an end to systemic sexism.
In the weeks following the World Cup, Hermoso and her teammates refused to play for Spain until significant changes were made within the RFEF.
The backlash ultimately led to Rubiales’ resignation in September 2023 after initial resistance, alongside reforms within the Spanish football hierarchy.
While the ruling marks a significant moment for accountability in sports, Rubiales’ decision to appeal suggests that the legal battle may not be over.
Meanwhile, Hermoso’s case continues to be a rallying point for gender equality and respect in the world of professional football.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members