A Spanish court has found former football federation president Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for forcibly kissing star footballer Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory in 2023. The court fined Rubiales €10,800 ($11,300) for his actions but acquitted him and three others of coercion charges.
The verdict brings an end to a high-profile case that sparked international outrage and drew attention to sexism in sports.
Hermoso: “I Felt Disrespected”
Hermoso, 34, testified at the start of the trial on February 3, stating that the kiss was non-consensual and made her feel “disrespected.”
“This should not happen in any social or workplace setting,” she said.
Prosecutors argued that Rubiales pressured Hermoso to downplay the incident and initially sought a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence—one year for sexual assault and 18 months for coercion.
Rubiales, however, maintained his innocence. He told the court on Tuesday that he was “totally sure” Hermoso had consented to the kiss when she stepped up to receive her winner’s medal.
“I made a mistake,” Rubiales admitted. “I should have adopted a more formal role, but no offence was committed.”
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From Defiance to Resignation
Rubiales’ stance in court was a stark contrast to his reaction when the controversy first erupted. During an emergency federation meeting in August 2023, he refused to resign and dismissed concerns about the kiss, calling them an example of “false feminism.”
However, mounting pressure forced him to step down in September 2023 after FIFA suspended him and Spanish prosecutors launched an investigation. He had led the Spanish football federation since 2018.
Impact on Women’s Football
The scandal highlighted the challenges female athletes face in a male-dominated sports world. Hermoso, Spain’s all-time top scorer, now plays for Mexican club Tigres. After the World Cup, she was initially left out of the national team. The new head coach, Montse Tomé, insisted this decision was meant to “protect” her rather than “punish” her.
The case against Rubiales has become a defining moment in the fight against sexism in sports, with many calling for stronger protections for female athletes. While the fine handed down by the court may seem small compared to the global reaction, the ruling sends a clear message: unwanted advances, even in moments of celebration, will not go unpunished.