Spain's former football chief Luis Rubiales has been penalized with a €10,800 fine after being found guilty of sexually assaulting Jenni Hermoso by kissing her without consent. This ruling, issued by Spain's High Court, marks a turning point following a high-profile incident during the celebrations of Spain’s victory over England in the 2023 World Cup, where Rubiales famously embraced Hermoso and kissed her on the lips.
Despite the court's conviction on sexual assault, Rubiales was acquitted of coercion charges, which referred to allegations of pressuring Hermoso to publicly declare the kiss as consensual. The ruling restricts him from getting within 200 meters of Hermoso or communicating with her for a year, emphasizing the seriousness of the case.
The incident has had significant repercussions, leading to a wave of public protest and calls for Rubiales’ resignation, which he eventually submitted to in September 2023 after facing pressure from multiple corners, including FIFA and the Spanish authorities.
The hearing revealed contrasting testimonies between Rubiales and Hermoso, with the former asserting the kiss was a spontaneous gesture of affection, while Hermoso insisted it "stained one of the happiest days of my life." She maintained that no one should experience unwanted physical contact in either personal or professional contexts.
Additionally, three individuals linked to Rubiales—Jorge Vilda, Rubén Rivera, and Albert Luque—were all acquitted of charges related to alleged coercion. This case has sparked a larger conversation about sexism in sports, with the incident becoming a catalyst for a 'Me Too' movement within women's football in Spain.
While Rubiales plans to appeal the decision, the legal verdict highlights the ongoing struggles against misconduct that athletes face, giving rise to further advocacy for equality and safety in sports environments.
