2 days ago
22
Spain’s former football federation president, Luis Rubiales, has been found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent and has been fined €10,800 (£8,942), Spain’s High Court has ruled. However, he was acquitted of coercion charges related to allegations that he pressured Hermoso into publicly stating that the kiss was consensual.
The incident occurred as Spain’s women’s team received their medals after defeating England in Sydney to win the 2023 World Cup. Rubiales grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips, an act that sparked widespread protests and calls for his resignation.
As part of the ruling, the court also barred Rubiales from approaching within 200 metres of Hermoso or communicating with her for one year. Three of his former colleagues—Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning team; Rubén Rivera, the Spanish Football Federation’s former head of marketing; and Albert Luque, former sporting director—were also on trial for alleged coercion but were acquitted.
Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence for Rubiales, who last week insisted in court that he was “absolutely sure” Hermoso had consented to the kiss. He described it as an “act of affection” and “something completely spontaneous.” However, in her testimony earlier this month, Hermoso refuted his claims, stating she had never given permission and that the incident had “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
The kiss, witnessed by millions on television and in the stadium, fuelled a “Me Too”-style movement in Spanish women’s football, with players pushing for gender equality and an end to sexism in the sport.
Rubiales resigned in September 2023 after weeks of resisting pressure to step down, following a suspension by FIFA and an investigation by Spanish prosecutors.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Follow us on:
English (US) ·