The ruling also prevents Rubiales from contacting Hermoso, further highlighting the serious implications of his actions.
Luis Rubiales Sentenced: Ex-Football Boss Fined for Non-Consensual Kiss
Luis Rubiales Sentenced: Ex-Football Boss Fined for Non-Consensual Kiss
Luis Rubiales faces a €10,800 fine for kissing player Jenni Hermoso during the World Cup celebrations, marking a significant moment in the fight against sexual assault in sports.
Following a contentious court ruling, Spain's former football federation president Luis Rubiales has been convicted of sexual assault for kissing football player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. The Madrid High Court has mandated that Rubiales pay a fine of €10,800 (£8,942) in light of his actions during the triumphant celebrations when Spain’s women’s team clinched the World Cup title.
While Rubiales was acquitted of coercion for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual, the court imposed additional restrictions. Rubiales is now prohibited from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius and is forbidden from any form of communication with her for one year. The incident transpired as the team celebrated their victory over England in Sydney, where Rubiales kissed Hermoso forcefully, leading to public outcry and media backlash that ultimately resulted in calls for his resignation.
Three former associates of Rubiales, including Jorge Vilda, the head coach of the winning team, were acquitted of collusion regarding the coercion allegations. Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence for Rubiales, but he insisted in court that Hermoso had consented to the kiss, labeling it as an "act of affection." Hermoso, however, testified that the incident had marred what should have been one of the happiest days of her life.
The kiss was broadcast to millions globally, igniting protests and fostering a broader movement against sexism within the Spanish women’s football community. The public discourse surrounding Rubiales’ actions led to heightened awareness and advocacy for women’s rights in sports, ultimately resulting in Rubiales resigning from his position in September 2023 after facing mounting pressure, including a suspension from FIFA and a formal investigation by Spanish prosecutors.
While Rubiales was acquitted of coercion for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual, the court imposed additional restrictions. Rubiales is now prohibited from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius and is forbidden from any form of communication with her for one year. The incident transpired as the team celebrated their victory over England in Sydney, where Rubiales kissed Hermoso forcefully, leading to public outcry and media backlash that ultimately resulted in calls for his resignation.
Three former associates of Rubiales, including Jorge Vilda, the head coach of the winning team, were acquitted of collusion regarding the coercion allegations. Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence for Rubiales, but he insisted in court that Hermoso had consented to the kiss, labeling it as an "act of affection." Hermoso, however, testified that the incident had marred what should have been one of the happiest days of her life.
The kiss was broadcast to millions globally, igniting protests and fostering a broader movement against sexism within the Spanish women’s football community. The public discourse surrounding Rubiales’ actions led to heightened awareness and advocacy for women’s rights in sports, ultimately resulting in Rubiales resigning from his position in September 2023 after facing mounting pressure, including a suspension from FIFA and a formal investigation by Spanish prosecutors.
