Spanish Court Finds Former Football Chief Guilty of Sexual Assault Against Jenni Hermoso
Former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of kissing Jenni Hermoso without consent, following a ruling by Spain’s High Court. The decision comes months after the controversial incident that overshadowed Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory against England.
Rubiales Ordered to Pay Fine for Unlawful Act
The court has ordered Rubiales to pay over €10,000 (£8,275) in fines for the unwanted kiss during the post-match celebrations. While prosecutors had pushed for a prison sentence, their request was ultimately denied, leading to a financial penalty instead.
Additionally, the court imposed a one-year restraining order, barring Rubiales from coming within 200 meters of Hermoso or making any form of contact with her.
Incident That Overshadowed Spain’s World Cup Triumph
The controversy unfolded on August 20, 2023, after Spain defeated England 1-0 to win their first-ever Women’s World Cup title. During the medal ceremony, Rubiales forcefully kissed Hermoso on the lips, sparking widespread outrage.
While the moment was captured on live television, he initially dismissed criticism, claiming it was a “mutual and spontaneous” gesture. However, Hermoso firmly denied giving any consent, stating that the incident “tainted one of the happiest days” of her life.
Hermoso’s Testimony: No Consent Given
During the court proceedings, Hermoso provided evidence, reinforcing her claim that she never consented to the kiss. The Spanish forward revealed that she felt pressured to remain silent as the controversy escalated.
In her testimony, Hermoso stated, “At no point did I say that I wanted him to kiss me. I was in shock and did not know how to react.”
Rubiales, on the other hand, insisted that the kiss was consensual, telling the court, “I am absolutely sure that she gave me her permission.”
Rubiales Cleared of Coercion Charges
Although the court found him guilty of sexual assault, he was cleared of coercion charges. Prosecutors had argued that Rubiales and his associates pressured Hermoso into publicly stating that the kiss was consensual, but the court ruled there was not enough evidence to support this claim.
Mounting Pressure and Resignation
Following the incident,he faced intense backlash from players, fans, and officials around the world. Calls for his resignation grew louder as Spain’s women’s national team stood in solidarity with Hermoso, refusing to play under his leadership.
Despite his initial refusal to step down, Rubiales eventually resigned from his role as RFEF president in September 2023. FIFA also imposed a three-year ban on him from all football-related activities.
Impact on Spanish Women’s Football
The Rubiales case became a pivotal moment in women’s football, highlighting the challenges faced by female athletes in the sport. The scandal led to widespread discussions about power dynamics, gender equality, and accountability in football administration.
Spain’s World Cup-winning squad demanded structural changes within the RFEF, leading to the dismissal of several officials and a commitment to improving the governing body’s approach to women’s football.
What’s Next for Rubiales?
While Rubiales avoided jail time, the court’s ruling sets a legal precedent in Spain’s fight against sexual harassment and misconduct.
Rubiales has the option to appeal the decision, but legal experts believe that the court’s ruling sends a strong message about accountability in sports leadership.
Meanwhile, Jenni Hermoso continues her career with both Spain’s national team and Mexican club Tigres UANL, having stood firm in her pursuit of justice despite the intense scrutiny she faced.
A Landmark Case for Women’s Rights in Sport
The Luis Rubiales-Jenni Hermoso case has ignited global conversations about consent, gender equality, and professional conduct in sports. While Spain’s World Cup victory was meant to be a celebration of women’s football, the events that followed have instead sparked a movement for change and accountability.
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