Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso has decided to appeal the court ruling that found former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault but did not sentence him to prison. Instead, Rubiales was fined €10,800 for forcibly kissing Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup medal ceremony.
On Thursday, Spain’s High Court ruled that Rubiales had committed sexual assault when he kissed Hermoso without her consent. However, he was acquitted of coercion, a charge that stemmed from allegations that he pressured Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual.
Despite the guilty verdict, Hermoso and her legal team believe the punishment is too lenient. Her lawyer, Angel Chavarria, confirmed that she plans to challenge the decision because the court ignored the prosecutors’ request for Rubiales to be sentenced to prison.
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“One of the Happiest Days of My Life Was Stained” – Hermoso
During her testimony, Hermoso strongly denied giving consent for the kiss and described the incident as deeply upsetting.
“I never consented to the kiss. That moment stained one of the happiest days of my life.” she stated.
Her case has become a symbol of the fight against sexism in football, sparking global debates about the treatment of female athletes.
Former RFEF Officials Cleared of Coercion Charges
The court also acquitted three former RFEF officials—Jorge Vilda, the coach of Spain’s World Cup-winning team; Rubén Rivera, the former head of marketing; and Albert Luque, the former sporting director—who had been accused of trying to pressure Hermoso into defending Rubiales.
Their acquittal and Rubiales’ escape from a jail term have led to widespread criticism, with many arguing that the ruling fails to hold powerful figures in sports accountable for their actions.