February 20, (THEWILL) – Spanish court officials confirmed on Thursday that Luis Rubiales, who previously led Spain’s football federation, has been found guilty of sexual assault following his non-consensual kiss of footballer Jenni Hermoso. The High Court ordered Rubiales to pay a fine of €10,800 (£8,942), for his actions during the 2023 Women’s World Cup victory celebration.
The ruling contains additional restrictions requiring Rubiales to maintain a distance of at least 200 metres from Hermoso for the duration of one year. He is also prohibited from any communication with her during this period. Rubiales has stated his intention to challenge the verdict through appropriate legal channels.
The incident occurred in Sydney after the Spanish women’s team defeated England to win the World Cup. During the medal ceremony, Rubiales grabbed Hermoso by the head and kissed her on the lips without permission. This action, witnessed by millions of viewers worldwide, prompted significant public outcry and eventually led to his resignation in September 2023.
Three other officials, who faced charges of alleged coercion – former coach Jorge Vilda, former marketing director Rubén Rivera, and former sporting director Albert Luque – were found not guilty. During court proceedings, Hermoso testified that she did not consent to the kiss, describing how it negatively affected what should have been one of her most joyful professional moments.
The case has brought attention to gender equality issues within Spanish football, with many female players advocating for improved treatment and equal standing with male counterparts. The conviction marks a significant legal conclusion to a controversy that extended beyond sports into broader discussions about appropriate conduct and respect in professional environments.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
