550 days after the infamous kiss that shocked Spanish and global football, former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of sexual assault.
On Thursday, Spain’s High Court ruled that Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the medal ceremony after Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory.
Court Ruling and Punishment
Rubiales, who has always insisted the kiss was consensual, was:
- Fined €10,800 (£8,942).
- Banned from approaching within 200 meters of Hermoso for one year.
- Barred from contacting her in any way.
However, he was acquitted of coercion, which was related to claims that he pressured Hermoso into publicly saying the kiss was consensual.
A Verdict That Reflects Social Change
Football journalist Guillem Balague highlighted the significance of the ruling:
“Such a conviction seemed unimaginable until four or five years ago. For that, we must thank Jenni and her teammates, who had the biggest sporting moment of their careers stolen from them. Something good came out of that sad moment.”
Marca journalist David Menayo Ramos noted that the trial being broadcast on YouTube underlined its importance in Spanish society:
“The verdict is something that everyone was waiting for. Society is polarised, and the trial reflects that.”
Spain’s ‘Me Too’ Moment
The case went beyond football, sparking protests across Spain. The phrase “Se Acabó” (“It’s over”) became a rallying cry for women’s rights and accountability.
After the incident:
- 81 Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, refused to play under Rubiales.
- FIFA, the United Nations, and numerous clubs and players condemned his actions.
- Rubiales initially refused to resign but eventually stepped down three weeks later.
- In May 2024, it was announced he would stand trial.
Balague pointed out that the ruling still leaves some people unsatisfied:
“You can find flaws in the judgment. It still feels like those in power can get away with things.”
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Impact on the Players
Jenni Hermoso, in her testimony, said the kiss had “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”
England and Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze, who played against Spain in the World Cup final, praised Hermoso and her teammates for their courage:
“It’s incredible what these players have gone through. Winning the World Cup should have been their focus, but instead, they had to fight for justice. We stand by the Spanish players.”
Spain captain Irene Paredes, who testified in support of Hermoso, said the team respected the court’s ruling but found it “strange” that there was no conviction for coercion.
What Next for Rubiales?
Rubiales plans to appeal the verdict.
Although prosecutors initially sought a 2.5-year prison sentence, including 18 months for coercion, the court ruled he will not serve jail time.
BBC journalist Guy Hedgecoe explained:
“Rubiales insisted he did nothing wrong. He admitted he got carried away during the medal ceremony but argued that does not make him a criminal.”
Upcoming Matches & Fallout
Spain is set to play Belgium in the Women’s Nations League on Friday, while England will host Spain at Wembley on February 26—their first meeting since the World Cup final.
This ruling marks a turning point, not just for football but for women’s rights in sports and beyond.