Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain's football federation, has been found guilty of sexual assault for a non-consensual kiss with player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 World Cup celebrations, an incident that sparked a broader movement for change in women's sports.
Luis Rubiales Convicted for Non-Consensual World Cup Kiss: Court Ruling
Luis Rubiales Convicted for Non-Consensual World Cup Kiss: Court Ruling
Spain's former football federation president fined €10,800 for sexual assault.
Rubiales has been ordered by Spain's High Court to pay a fine of €10,800 after he forcibly kissed Hermoso during the medal ceremony following Spain's victory over England at the World Cup in Sydney. Despite being acquitted of coercion for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to publicly label the kiss as consensual, the ruling has significant implications for his future conduct. The court has imposed a ban on Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters and from any form of communication with her for one year.
The controversial moment witnessed a global audience and triggered widespread protests, demanding Rubiales' resignation. As the investigation unfolded, players in the Spanish women's football scene rallied for an end to sexism and a push towards equality, inspired by the fallout from this incident. Following significant pressure, Rubiales resigned from his position in September 2023, shortly after FIFA suspended him and law enforcement initiated their inquiries.
Throughout the trial, Rubiales maintained his assertion that he believed the kiss was consensual, describing it as a spontaneous act of affection. However, Hermoso refuted this claim, stating in her testimony that the incident marred what should have been one of the most joyous days of her life. The focus now shifts to the ongoing discussions surrounding sexism and equality in sports, reignited by this high-profile case.
The controversial moment witnessed a global audience and triggered widespread protests, demanding Rubiales' resignation. As the investigation unfolded, players in the Spanish women's football scene rallied for an end to sexism and a push towards equality, inspired by the fallout from this incident. Following significant pressure, Rubiales resigned from his position in September 2023, shortly after FIFA suspended him and law enforcement initiated their inquiries.
Throughout the trial, Rubiales maintained his assertion that he believed the kiss was consensual, describing it as a spontaneous act of affection. However, Hermoso refuted this claim, stating in her testimony that the incident marred what should have been one of the most joyous days of her life. The focus now shifts to the ongoing discussions surrounding sexism and equality in sports, reignited by this high-profile case.
