In a landmark ruling on February 20, 2025, the National Court of Spain found former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for forcibly kissing Jennifer Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. The court imposed a fine of €10,800 and issued a restraining order, prohibiting Rubiales from approaching within 200 meters of Hermoso or contacting her for one year. However, Rubiales was acquitted of coercion charges, which were related to allegations that he pressured Hermoso into downplaying the incident publicly.
The Incident That Shocked the Sports World
The controversy began on August 20, 2023, following Spain’s victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final. During the medal ceremony, Rubiales was seen embracing Hermoso and kissing her on the lips without her consent. The incident was broadcast worldwide, sparking global outrage and igniting conversations about sexual misconduct, gender equality, and sexism in sports. Rubiales initially dismissed the criticism, claiming the kiss was “mutual and consensual”, but Hermoso later issued a statement denying his claims and stating she had felt “violated and disrespected”.
Hermoso’s Reaction to the Verdict
Jennifer Hermoso welcomed the court’s ruling, calling it a “step forward” for justice and respect for women in sports. She took to social media, writing:
“Ahora sí, se acabó” (Now, it’s over)
This statement reflects the emotional toll the case has taken on her and the symbolic victory it represents for women’s rights in football.
Rubiales’ Defense and Appeal Plans
Despite the guilty verdict, Luis Rubiales has vowed to appeal the ruling. His legal team maintains that the kiss was “misinterpreted” and continues to insist that there was mutual agreement. The Spanish judiciary, however, ruled that there was no clear consent from Hermoso and emphasized that power dynamics within sports leadership made such behavior unacceptable.
Additionally, Rubiales was previously banned from football-related activities for three years by FIFA. His legal troubles continue, as several other misconduct allegations against him are being investigated.
Impact on Spanish Football and Women’s Rights
The Rubiales scandal has had profound consequences beyond the courtroom. It led to:
- Mass protests in Spain demanding better protection for women in sports.
- His resignation as president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
- FIFA banning Rubiales from football for three years.
- Reforms in the RFEF to prevent similar incidents and improve gender equity in Spanish football.
Many believe this case sets a precedent for tackling sexual misconduct in sports, ensuring that athletes feel safe and respected on and off the field.
Legal and Social Implications
While the verdict is seen as a victory for accountability, the acquittal of coercion charges raises concerns. Legal experts argue that the burden of proof in such cases remains high, making it difficult for victims to prove psychological pressure or manipulation in legal settings.
What’s Next?
As Rubiales’ appeal progresses, this case will continue to serve as a turning point in the fight for gender equality in sports. With new policies, public awareness, and legal accountability, the football world is being forced to confront deep-rooted issues of power, consent, and respect.
Sources
- CNN – Spain’s Rubiales found guilty of non-consensual kiss on Jennifer Hermoso
- Cadena SER – “Ahora sí, se acabó”: Hermoso reacts after Rubiales’ guilty verdict
- HuffPost Spain – Jenni Hermoso speaks after Rubiales ruling: ‘Now, it’s over’
- El País – Rubiales trial: Coercion charges and the difficulty of proving psychological pressure
- BBC Sport – Luis Rubiales fined and banned from contacting Hermoso after World Cup kiss scandal
- Reuters – Rubiales fined for non-consensual kiss, banned from football
- Marca – Rubiales sentenced in Hermoso case: What does the ruling mean for Spanish football?
- The Guardian – Luis Rubiales guilty verdict: A defining moment for gender equality in football