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Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), was convicted of sexually assaulting Jenni Hermoso, a prominent member of Spain’s women's national football team, following an incident during the 2023 Women's World Cup celebrations. On Thursday, Rubiales was found guilty of kissing Hermoso on the lips without her consent after Spain’s historic victory in the tournament.
Court ruling and penalties against Luis Rubiales
Rubiales, 47, was sentenced to a one-year ban on contacting Hermoso or coming within 200 meters of her. He was also fined €10,000 ($10,437 USD).
However, the court acquitted him of coercion charges, where he was accused of attempting to pressure Hermoso into publicly stating that the kiss was consensual. Prosecutors had initially requested a year-long sentence for sexual assault and an additional 18 months for coercion. Rubiales can appeal the court's decision.
Coercion charges dropped for other officials
Three other RFEF officials, former women's national team head coach Jorge Vilda, ex-sporting director Albert Luque, and former marketing chief Rubén Rivera were also cleared of coercion charges. They had been accused of pressuring Hermoso to publicly defend Rubiales' actions.
Hermoso’s testimony
In her testimony, Hermoso, 34, described feeling “disrespected” by the unwanted kiss and said it “stained one of the happiest days of my life.” The incident, which occurred during the trophy ceremony, sparked outrage across Spain, raising issues of sexism within the sport and leading to a national boycott by the women’s team.
Hermoso repeatedly stated that the kiss was not consensual, describing her shock and lack of reaction in the moment.
Rubiales resigns amid backlash
Facing severe backlash, Rubiales resigned from his position as president of RFEF three weeks after the incident. He maintained that he was the victim of a "witch hunt" led by “false feminists.”
Ongoing struggles for Hermoso
Hermoso, who currently plays for Tigres in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, emphasized the long-term emotional toll the incident had on her. Despite seeking privacy, she shared, "I have not been able to really live freely" since the controversy began.
FIFA had already banned Rubiales for three years, a suspension set to end in 2026.
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