A Spanish court has found former football chief Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing football player Jenni Hermoso without her consent following the 2023 Women’s World Cup Final. The incident ignited widespread outrage and led to Rubiales resigning from his position in September 2023. Prosecutors had initially sought a jail sentence for Rubiales, recommending one year for assault and 18 months for coercion. However, the court acquitted him of coercion.
The Audiencia Nacional court imposed a fine of 10,000 euros ($10,455) on Rubiales and prohibited him from approaching within a 200-metre (660-foot) radius of Hermoso for one year. Additionally, he is banned from communicating with her during this period. Hermoso testified that the kiss was not consensual, asserting that it made her feel "disrespected" and tarnished what should have been a celebratory moment in her career.
"For me, it is very important to say that at no point did I seek that act, let alone expect it." – Jenni Hermoso
While Rubiales maintained that the kiss was consensual, Hermoso's testimony painted a different picture. She described feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by the incident, which also left her in tears. Her teammates corroborated her account, testifying about the emotional toll it took on her. The court's decision not to impose a prison sentence on Rubiales was based on the view that the kiss, although an assault, was a singular act that did not warrant custodial rehabilitation.
"The Judge understands that, in view of the magnitude of the assault, a kiss, that it is a sporadic act of the accused, and that he does not require special rehabilitation for the crime, the pecuniary penalty must be chosen, which is less serious than the custodial sentence," – Judge Jose Manuel Fernandez-Prieto
The verdict has reignited debates over sexism and the treatment of female athletes in Spain, as many see the incident as symbolic of broader issues within the sports community. Hermoso's case highlights the challenges women face in male-dominated sports environments. Despite being acquitted of coercion, Rubiales' actions have been widely criticized, with public sentiment largely siding with Hermoso.
