Luis Rubiales Found Guilty of Sexual Assault Over Jenni Hermoso Kiss Scandal

Spain’s High Court has found former football federation president Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for his controversial kiss on Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup medal ceremony.

The court ruled that Rubiales must pay a fine exceeding €10,000 ($10,434) but acquitted him of coercion charges. He is also banned from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters for one year and from communicating with her.

A Scandal That Shook Spanish Football

The case gained international attention after Rubiales forcibly kissed Hermoso on the mouth during the celebrations of Spain’s historic World Cup victory. While Rubiales maintained the kiss was consensual, Hermoso firmly stated she never consented and that she felt pressured in the aftermath.

Following widespread outrage, Rubiales resigned three weeks after the incident and was later handed a three-year ban by FIFA from all football-related activities.

A Landmark Ruling in Women’s Sports

This verdict is a significant moment for women's sports and the fight against sexism in football. The scandal not only exposed power imbalances within the sport but also triggered conversations about respect, consent, and accountability in male-dominated institutions.

While the ruling does not impose a prison sentence, it sets a precedent in Spanish law and serves as a warning that abuse of power in sports will not go unpunished.