Luis Rubiales Fined for Non-consensual World Cup Kiss

Luis Rubiales, former head of Spain's football federation, has been penalized for kissing player Jenni Hermoso, sparking widespread protests and calls for his resignation.

Spain's High Court has delivered its ruling regarding Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, finding him guilty of sexual assault for kissing soccer player Jenni Hermoso without her consent during a celebratory event following Spain's victory at the 2023 World Cup. As a result, Rubiales has been ordered to pay a fine amounting to €10,800 (£8,942). However, he was acquitted of coercion charges, which accused him of pressuring Hermoso into publicly expressing that the kiss was consensual.

The incident took place while players were receiving their medals in Sydney after defeating England, when Rubiales unexpectedly grabbed Hermoso and kissed her on the lips. This unsought display of affection ignited a wave of protests against him and resulted in demands for his resignation from his position.

In addition to the fine, the court's decision also imposes a restraining order on Rubiales, preventing him from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius or engaging in any communication for a period of one year. The ruling follows public outcry and scrutiny from the media, escalating a "Me Too"-style movement among Spanish women soccer players advocating for equality and respect in the sport.

Three other individuals closely associated with Rubiales were also on trial but were not found guilty of coercing Hermoso. These include Jorge Vilda, the coach of the victorious team, along with Rubén Rivera and Albert Luque, former marketing and sporting directors respectively.

Prior to the court verdict, Rubiales maintained that he believed Hermoso had consented to the kiss, framing it as a spontaneous gesture of affection. Nevertheless, Hermoso's testimony highlighted her distress, asserting that the incident overshadowed a significant moment of triumph in her career. Following fierce opposition, Rubiales resigned from his position in September 2023, amidst pressure from FIFA and Spanish authorities.