Key Points:

  • A high-profile case in the global sports arena has grabbed attention as former Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent.
  • The incident not only affected the personal life of the player but also sparked a wide - ranging debate about the culture of misogyny in sports and society in Spain.
  • The verdict and its aftermath have had a far - reaching impact on the soccer community and the broader social context, with ongoing discussions about gender equality and respect in the sports field.

Former Spanish Soccer Boss Luis Rubiales Found Guilty of Kissing Player Jenni Hermoso Without Consent

The Incident

The Spanish High Court has found former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chief Luis Rubiales guilty of sexually assaulting Women’s World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso by kissing her on the lips during the on - field medal ceremony following Spain’s victory in 2023. The act took place in front of thousands of people in the stadium and was also witnessed by thousands watching on television, which added to the shock and impact of the event.



The Trial and Verdict

The court set a fine of $11,270 (€10,800) for Rubiales, to be paid as $21 daily instalments across 18 - months. He was also ordered to pay $3,130 (€3,000) in compensation to Hermoso for the “moral damages” that had been done. The judge chose not to sentence Rubiales to prison time, considering the assault to be of lesser intensity according to Spanish law as there was no intimidation or violence, although he called it a “sporadic act” that was “always reprehensible”. In addition, Rubiales was banned from going within a 200 - meter (roughly 656 feet) radius of Hermoso and from communicating with her for one year.

Rubiales’ Co - defendants

Rubiales’ three co - defendants, who were former members of RFEF (one of whom is ex - women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda) and had been accused of attempting to coerce Hermoso into saying that she had consented to the kiss, were also acquitted.

Impact on Hermoso

The incident has seriously affected Hermoso’s life. “I knew I was being kissed by my boss and that should not happen in any social or work environment,” Hermoso said on the first day of the trial in Madrid. “I think it was a moment that tainted one of the happiest days of my life,” she added. “Until today, it seems that my life has been on standby; honestly, I have not lived freely,” the 34 - year - old soccer star said.

Rubiales’ Defense and Resignation

Rubiales, who later resigned as head of the federation, testified on February 11 that he had asked Hermoso for permission before kissing her. However, Hermoso said that he did not have consent to kiss her.

 

Social Reactions and Debates

The aftermath of the incident saw protests across Spain and sparked a debate around a culture of misogyny in sport, as well as in wider Spanish society. This case has drawn global attention to the issue of gender equality and respect in the sports field, and has also had a far - reaching impact on the soccer community and the broader social context.


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