Spanish High Court finds former football federation leader guilty of sexual assault for kissing Jenni Hermoso without consent at 2023 Women’s World Cup celebrations. He was fined more than €10,000 but acquitted of coercion.
The episode, which ignited a national debate about sexism in Spanish football and society, marred Spain’s historic World Cup success. Rubiales maintained that the kiss was consensual, but the court came down in favor of Hermoso’s version of events.
Judge Jose Manuel Fernandez-Prieto called the act a minor one because it did not involve violence or intimidation. Hermoso was awarded €3,000 in compensation and Rubiales was hit with a €20 fine each day for the next 18 months. He is also barred from contacting or going near her within 200 meters for a year.
Hermoso said the kiss “tainted one of the happiest days” of her life, and teammates testified that she was overwhelmed and in tears. Spain’s government hailed the ruling as a victory for women’s rights.
Feminist activists celebrated the ruling but decried the lenient penalty. The ruling is subject to appeal, though the case marks a watershed moment in Spain’s battle against sexism in sports.Spain’s High Court Rules Luis Rubiales Committed Sexual Assault
