Spain's former football federation president, Luis Rubiales, has been sentenced to a fine of €10,800 by the High Court for his role in a highly publicized incident during the 2023 World Cup victory celebrations. Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent after the Spanish women's team triumphed over England in Sydney. Despite Rubiales claiming the kiss was an "act of affection" and asserting Hermoso's consent, the court ruled otherwise, leading to widespread outrage and calls for his resignation.
In addition to the fine, the court has prohibited Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius and from communicating with her for one year. The court's judgment follows a trial where Rubiales faced accusations not just of sexual assault but also of coercion for allegedly attempting to pressure Hermoso into publicly claiming the kiss was consensual. However, he was acquitted of these coercion charges, while three co-defendants, including coach Jorge Vilda, were also cleared.
Testifying in court, Hermoso described the kiss as a violation that marred one of the best moments of her life, while Rubiales maintained that his actions were spontaneous and misinterpreted. The incident, watched by millions live, sparked outrage and became emblematic of broader discussions around sexism and conduct within the realm of women’s sports in Spain.
Rubiales resigned in September 2023, following significant public pressure, a FIFA suspension, and an ongoing investigation by Spanish authorities. The fallout from this incident has ignited a significant movement within Spanish women's football aimed at combating sexism and promoting equality in the sport.
