Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso. The incident occurred after Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, when Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips without her consent.
The court in Madrid acquitted Rubiales of coercion, but ordered him to pay a fine of over €10,000. This verdict comes after a lengthy trial that has captivated Spain and sparked a wider debate about sexism and consent in football.
Hermoso, who testified in court, stated that she never consented to the kiss and felt “disrespected” by Rubiales’ actions. She described the incident as tarnishing one of the happiest days of her life and explained how the fallout had significantly impacted her personal and professional life.
Rubiales maintained that the kiss was consensual and that he had simply been caught up in the excitement of the moment. He acknowledged making an error of judgment, but denied any attempt to coerce Hermoso into downplaying the incident.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and led to Rubiales’ resignation as the head of the Spanish Football Federation. The federation also sacked Jorge Vilda, the former head coach of the women’s national team, who was accused of pressuring Hermoso to say the kiss was consensual.
The court ultimately sided with Hermoso, finding Rubiales guilty of sexual assault. The judge ruled that the kiss was non-consensual and that Rubiales had abused his position of power.
This verdict is a landmark moment in Spanish football, sending a clear message that sexual assault will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator’s status or position. It is also a significant victory for Hermoso, who has shown courage and resilience throughout this ordeal.
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.