Luis Rubiales, the former head of Spain’s soccer federation, was found guilty of sexual assault on Thursday for kissing Jennifer Hermoso, a player on Spain’s women’s national team, without her consent. This incident occurred after the team celebrated their victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The kiss sparked a major controversy and highlighted ongoing issues of sexism in Spanish soccer. It became a significant moment in Spain’s #MeToo movement, prompting discussions about consent and respect in sports.
A Spanish court ruled that while Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault, he was cleared of a separate coercion charge. Along with a fine of 10,800 euros (around $11,270) for the assault, he was ordered to stay at least 200 meters (about 650 feet) away from Hermoso for one year. He is also prohibited from contacting her and must pay her 3,000 euros for the emotional harm caused.
Judge José Manuel Fernández-Prieto noted that a kiss is not a standard way to greet someone unless there is a personal relationship involved. He called Rubiales’s actions “reprehensible” and emphasized that they overshadowed the significant achievement of the women’s national team.
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Soccer,Women’s World Cup (Soccer),Decisions and Verdicts,Royal Spanish Football Federation,Rubiales, Luis,Hermoso, Jennifer (1990- ),Spain
