A Spanish court convicted former football chief Luis Rubiales of sexual assault on Thursday. The Luis Rubiales conviction stems from a forced kiss on star player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup ceremony. However, the court acquitted him of coercion charges.
The High Court fined Rubiales €10,800 ($11,300) for the non-consensual kiss. He avoided a two-and-a-half-year prison term sought by prosecutors, one year for assault and 18 months for coercion. The judge also barred Rubiales from approaching within 200 meters of Hermoso or contacting her for one year. Video evidence showed him kissing Hermoso on the lips and slapping her back, sparking global outrage.
The kiss at the Sydney medal ceremony led to Rubiales’ resignation in September 2023. Hermoso, 34, testified on February 3 that she felt “disrespected.” Her teammates confirmed she was shaken, while her brother claimed she faced pressure to downplay it. Rubiales, 47, insisted the kiss was consensual, calling it an “act of affection” in court. He admitted a mistake but denied wrongdoing.
Rubiales’ lawyer, Olga Tubau, argued the kiss reflected “uncontrollable joy,” not a crime. She pointed to Hermoso celebrating afterwards. Prosecutor Marta Durantez Gil countered that it was non-consensual, asking, “Wasn’t she entitled to celebrate?” The court agreed on assault but cleared Rubiales and three others—coach Jorge Vilda and two officials—of coercion.
Equality Minister Ana Redondo hailed the ruling, stating, “No consent means aggression.” The Luis Rubiales conviction highlights sexism in sports. Once defiant, Rubiales resigned after FIFA’s suspension and a probe. Hermoso, Spain’s top women’s scorer, faced a brief national team exclusion, which coach Montse Tome called protection, not punishment.
