Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales found guilty of sexually assaulting footballer Jenni Hermoso

The Spanish High Court recently ruled that former Spanish Football Association President Luis Rubiales committed sexual assault by kissing star forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent after the 2023 Women's World Cup final in Sydney. This incident has sparked widespread attention and controversy.

Rubiales, 47, was accused of sexual assault and coercion, the latter for allegedly trying to force Hermoso to claim the kiss was consensual. The court sentenced him to pay a fine of over 10,000 euros (approximately $16,300 USD), but acquitted him of the coercion charge.

Judge José Manuel Fernández-Prieto ruled that the sexual assault, "although always reprehensible," was of a minor degree because there was no violence or intimidation. The ruling stated that, considering the extent of the offense, namely a kiss, and that it was an isolated act by the defendant, and that he does not need special re-education for the crime, a fine was chosen, which is a lesser punishment than imprisonment.

The court said in a statement that Rubiales is also prohibited from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters or communicating with her in any form for one year. Rubiales told Reuters after the verdict that he intends to appeal the ruling, stating that he "will continue to fight." Rubiales has avoided jail time, while prosecutors had been pushing for a prison sentence throughout the trial.

During the month-long trial, the former football federation president consistently maintained that Hermoso consented to the kiss. However, Hermoso later told the court that she never consented to the kiss and did not expect it to happen. During the trial, Hermoso stated that the unsolicited kiss from her boss and the ensuing turmoil "tarnished one of the happiest days of my life," while her teammates testified that it left her feeling overwhelmed, crying, and exhausted in the hours and days that followed.

The incident, which occurred at the medal ceremony after Spain won the World Cup final, ignited a broad debate in Spain about sexism in women's soccer. It also triggered a wider reflection on this issue in Spanish society. While celebrating on the podium, Rubiales was seen grabbing Hermoso and kissing her on the lips. The scene at Stadium Australia was witnessed by millions watching the World Cup final between Spain and England.

Following the incident, Rubiales was accused of sexual assault and, along with three other former Spanish FA officials, of attempting to coerce Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual. Rubiales resigned from his position at the football federation in September 2023 and was banned from the sport for three years following the incident. The three men are former women's team coach Jorge Vilda, men's team sporting director Albert Luque, and marketing director Rubén Rivera. They were all acquitted of coercion charges.

In fining Rubiales, the court ruled that he must pay 20 euros (approximately $32 USD) per day for 18 months. Spain's leftist government, which had called for Rubiales to step down, praised the ruling for upholding the victim's claims. Equality Minister Ana Redondo wrote on X: "Without consent it is assault, and that is what the judge has determined in the ruling. The victim's testimony is respected and should not be questioned, as the law dictates." Hermoso's lawyers have not yet commented.