Luis Rubiales Fined €10,800 for Unconsented World Cup Kiss

The Madrid court found Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent, marking a significant moment for accountability in sports culture.

Spain's former football federation president, Luis Rubiales, has been handed a fine of €10,800 (£8,942) after a Madrid court ruled him guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. The incident occurred during the celebrations of Spain's victory over England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where Rubiales forcibly kissed Hermoso on the lips, prompting widespread outcry and calls for his resignation.

Rubiales has announced plans to appeal the court's decision, which also prohibits him from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius and from any form of communication for one year. While he was acquitted of coercion charges related to allegedly pressuring Hermoso into claiming that their encounter was consensual, three of his former colleagues who faced similar accusations were cleared in connection to the alleged coercion.

During the court proceedings, Rubiales maintained that the kiss was a spontaneous "act of affection," claiming he was "absolutely sure" it was consensual. However, Hermoso contradicted this assertion, insisting that consent was never given and describing the experience as a tarnish on one of her life's happiest moments. "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so," she firmly stated.

The infamous kiss, witnessed by millions, has reignited discussions about sexism and misconduct in sports, empowering the "Me Too" movement within the Spanish women’s football community. Following intense public pressure, Rubiales announced his resignation in September 2023, subsequent to Fifa's suspension and the initiation of a formal investigation by Spanish authorities.