Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent, sparking controversy.
Former Spanish Football Chief convicted for non-vonsensual kiss
Luis Rubiales, former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, has been found guilty of kissing player Jennifer Hermoso without her consent.
The incident occurred during Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup victory celebration in 2023.
Rubiales faces Fine but avoids prison
Spain’s High Court ruled against Rubiales, ordering him to pay a fine of over €10,000 (£8,274). However, he was acquitted of coercion charges.
Prosecutors initially sought a prison sentence for the former La Liga defender, but the court did not impose jail time.
FIFA Already banned Rubiales from football activities
Following the scandal, FIFA banned Rubiales from all football-related activities for three years.
Before resigning in September 2023, he also served as one of UEFA’s vice-presidents.
The controversial incident after Spain’s World Cup win. The kiss happened as Spain celebrated their 1-0 victory over England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
While, Rubiales was congratulating the players when he kissed Hermoso without her consent.
The 34-year-old striker later stated that she never agreed to the kiss.
Hermoso speaks out in court
During the trial in Madrid, Hermoso testified that the kiss “tainted one of the happiest days of my life.” She emphasized that she never consented and felt disrespected. She also recounted how Rubiales grabbed her by the ears before kissing her.
While, Rubiales continuously denied the allegations, claiming the kiss was consensual and happened in a “moment of jubilation.”
However, Hermoso repeatedly refuted his claims. The scandal ignited a broader discussion about sexism in football, with Spanish female players demanding equality.
Following the controversy, both the men’s and women’s national teams staged a boycott.
Protests erupted across Spain, with demonstrators calling for “a sport free of sexist violence.” Rubiales dismissed the backlash as a “witch hunt” led by what he described as “false feminists.”
The ruling marks a significant step in addressing gender inequality in football. Hermoso’s case has become a symbol of the fight for respect and fairness in the sport. The verdict serves as a warning against misconduct and reinforces the call for greater accountability in leadership.