Spanish Court Finds Former Football Federation Head Luis Rubiales Guilty of Sexual Assault

A Spanish court has convicted former football federation president Luis Rubiales of sexual assault after he kissed footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent. The court imposed a fine of 10,800 euros (approximately 3.1 million Pakistani rupees) on Rubiales. However, the court acquitted him of the charge of coercion. Rubiales has expressed his intention to appeal the verdict and continue his legal battle.

The prosecution had requested a prison sentence for the 47-year-old Rubiales, accusing him of forcibly kissing the 34-year-old Hermoso after Spain won the 2023 World Cup. Hermoso had testified that she felt “humiliated” by the kiss, which she argued should never happen in any social or work setting. Her teammates provided sworn statements, describing how she cried after the incident and felt “forced.”

The incident sparked widespread controversy in Spain and ignited a heated public debate, leading to a rise in the #MeToo movement across the country.

Rubiales’ three associates, who were accused of trying to pressure Hermoso into claiming the kiss at the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney was accidental, were acquitted.

Rubiales maintained throughout the trial that Hermoso had consented to the kiss during the celebrations. He claimed that the footballer had embraced him firmly, lifted him up, and when he asked if he could kiss her, she agreed. However, Hermoso testified under oath that she did not consent.

While the judge found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault, the court emphasized that while the act was “condemnable,” it was of lesser severity due to the absence of violence or threats.

In addition to the fine, Rubiales has been ordered to stay at least 200 meters (218 yards) away from Hermoso for one year and is prohibited from contacting her. Furthermore, Rubiales will pay Hermoso 3,000 euros (around 900,000 Pakistani rupees) as compensation, which must be paid within 18 months.

Rubiales’ annual salary exceeds 675,000 euros.

Spain’s women’s team captain has stated that while she respects the court’s decision, she is surprised that Rubiales was not given a penalty related to the coercion charges.