A Spanish court convicted former football president Luis Rubiales on Thursday for sexual assault following the forced kiss he gave to star forward Jenni Hermoso, imposing a fine of 10,800 euros ($11,300). However, the court acquitted Rubiales and three other defendants of charges related to coercion.
Prosecutors had requested a prison sentence of two and a half years for Rubiales—one year for sexual assault and 18 months for coercion—claiming he pressured Hermoso to downplay the incident.
Rubiales faced accusations of sexual assault for kissing Hermoso after Spain’s victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia, as well as coercion for allegedly pressuring her to minimize the incident afterward. The global backlash over the kiss led to Rubiales’ resignation and highlighted the ongoing issue of sexism and macho culture in sports.
Hermoso, 34, testified on February 3, the trial’s opening day, that she felt “disrespected” by the non-consensual kiss, calling it an act that “should not happen in any social or work setting.” Rubiales, 47, claimed in court that he was “totally sure” Hermoso consented to the kiss as she approached to receive her winner’s medal, which was broadcast live, and denied pressuring her afterward. He admitted making a “mistake” on the podium, acknowledging he should have been in a more “institutional role,” but denied committing any offense.
Rubiales’ testimony was in stark contrast to his earlier defiant stance when the scandal broke. In an emergency federation meeting in August 2023, he downplayed the incident, rejected calls for his resignation, and criticized “false feminism.”
Rubiales resigned in September 2023 after FIFA suspended him and Spanish prosecutors launched an investigation into alleged sexual assault. He had served as federation president since 2018.
Hermoso, Spain’s all-time top scorer, now plays for Mexican club Tigres. She was initially excluded from the national squad following the World Cup, but new coach Montse Tome clarified that her omission was not a “punishment” and was made to protect the player.
