The case ignites a broader conversation on women's rights and the fight against sexism in sports.
Luis Rubiales Penalized for Non-Consensual Kiss During World Cup Ceremony
Luis Rubiales Penalized for Non-Consensual Kiss During World Cup Ceremony
Spain's ex-football leader fined over €10,800 for sexual assault amid widespread backlash.
In a significant legal development, Spain's former football federation president, Luis Rubiales, has been found guilty of sexual assault following his unsolicited kiss with player Jenni Hermoso. The High Court has imposed a fine of €10,800 (£8,942) on Rubiales for the act, which took place during the victory ceremony after Spain's remarkable win over England in the 2023 World Cup held in Sydney.
Rubiales was acquitted of coercion charges, where he was accused of attempting to pressure Hermoso into publicly declaring that the kiss was consensual. The court's ruling includes a one-year restriction on Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius or communicating with her.
The moment unfolded as Rubiales celebrated Spain's historic win, seizing Hermoso by the head and kissing her in front of millions of viewers. This unsolicited act sparked nationwide protests and demands for his resignation. Three of Rubiales's former associates, who faced trial for allegedly colluding in coercion, were cleared of the charges, including Jorge Vilda, the World Cup-winning coach.
During the proceedings, Rubiales contended that the kiss was consensual and described it as a spontaneous "act of affection." Contrastingly, Hermoso testified that she did not permit the kiss, expressing that the incident soured what should have been one of the happiest moments of her life.
The controversy surrounding the incident has energized a "Me Too"-inspired movement within Spanish women's sports, amplifying the fight against sexism and advocating for equality with male counterparts. Following enduring public pressure, Rubiales resigned from his position in September 2023, coinciding with FIFA's suspension and the opening of an official investigation by Spanish authorities.
Rubiales was acquitted of coercion charges, where he was accused of attempting to pressure Hermoso into publicly declaring that the kiss was consensual. The court's ruling includes a one-year restriction on Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius or communicating with her.
The moment unfolded as Rubiales celebrated Spain's historic win, seizing Hermoso by the head and kissing her in front of millions of viewers. This unsolicited act sparked nationwide protests and demands for his resignation. Three of Rubiales's former associates, who faced trial for allegedly colluding in coercion, were cleared of the charges, including Jorge Vilda, the World Cup-winning coach.
During the proceedings, Rubiales contended that the kiss was consensual and described it as a spontaneous "act of affection." Contrastingly, Hermoso testified that she did not permit the kiss, expressing that the incident soured what should have been one of the happiest moments of her life.
The controversy surrounding the incident has energized a "Me Too"-inspired movement within Spanish women's sports, amplifying the fight against sexism and advocating for equality with male counterparts. Following enduring public pressure, Rubiales resigned from his position in September 2023, coinciding with FIFA's suspension and the opening of an official investigation by Spanish authorities.
