Synopsis
Luis Rubiales, the ex-president of Spain's football federation, was found guilty of sexual assault after kissing Jenni Hermoso without consent, resulting in a fine and a prohibition from contacting her. The incident, which occurred post-2023 Women’s World Cup victory, led to widespread protests and a significant movement against sexism in sports.Key Takeaways
- Luis Rubiales convicted of sexual assault.
- Fined 10,800 euros for kissing Jenni Hermoso.
- Incident occurred after the Women’s World Cup victory.
- Rubiales banned from contacting Hermoso for one year.
- Case ignited a movement against sexism in sports.
Madrid, February 20 (NationPress) The former president of Spain's football federation, Luis Rubiales, has been convicted of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent, as ruled by Spain's High Court. He has been fined 10,800 euros but was acquitted of coercion allegations. The incident took place as Spain's team was awarded their medals following their victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Sydney, where Rubiales grasped Hermoso’s head and kissed her on the lips. This act ignited widespread protests and demands for his resignation.
The court has also prohibited Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within 200 metres or having any communication with her for one year.
Three of his former associates - World Cup-winning coach Jorge Vilda, ex-RFEF marketing chief Rubén Rivera, and former sporting director Albert Luque - were acquitted of coercion charges. Prosecutors sought a prison sentence for Rubiales, who recently claimed in court that he was “absolutely sure” Hermoso had consented to the kiss. He described the act as an “affectionate gesture” and asserted that it was “completely spontaneous” at the time.
However, in her testimony earlier this month, Hermoso insisted that she had not provided her consent, stating that the incident “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
Rubiales was charged with sexual assault and coercion, accused of pressuring Hermoso into stating that the kiss was consensual. The incident, which was witnessed by millions of television viewers and an entire stadium, happened after the Spanish women's team triumphed in the 2023 World Cup. This controversy ignited a “Me Too”-style movement in Spanish women's football, pushing players to advocate against sexism and demand equality with their male counterparts.
In September 2023, Rubiales resigned after weeks of resisting calls to step down, following a suspension by FIFA and the commencement of an investigation by Spanish prosecutors.
