Luis Rubiales, the former head of Spain's football federation, has been found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent, resulting in a fine of €10,800 (£8,942) imposed by Spain's High Court. This incident occurred after Spain's national team clinched victory at the 2023 Women's World Cup, where Rubiales kissed Hermoso in front of a global audience, igniting widespread protests calling for his resignation.
While Rubiales was acquitted of coercion charges—allegations that he pressured Hermoso to claim the kiss was consensual—he has been ordered to maintain a distance of 200 meters from her and not to communicate with her for one year. Rubiales had asserted that the kiss was a spontaneous expression of affection, but Hermoso testified that it marred her joyful moment, stating, "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so."
The incident has spurred a significant movement in Spanish women's sports, challenging sexism and advocating for gender equality. After prolonged pressure and a suspension from FIFA, Rubiales resigned in September 2023 amid an ongoing investigation by Spanish prosecutors.
While Rubiales was acquitted of coercion charges—allegations that he pressured Hermoso to claim the kiss was consensual—he has been ordered to maintain a distance of 200 meters from her and not to communicate with her for one year. Rubiales had asserted that the kiss was a spontaneous expression of affection, but Hermoso testified that it marred her joyful moment, stating, "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so."
The incident has spurred a significant movement in Spanish women's sports, challenging sexism and advocating for gender equality. After prolonged pressure and a suspension from FIFA, Rubiales resigned in September 2023 amid an ongoing investigation by Spanish prosecutors.
