Luis Rubiales convicted of sexual assault for unwanted kiss on Jenni Hermoso during World Cup

Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, has been convicted of sexual assault following an incident that occurred during the 2023 Women's World Cup. The controversial moment, where Rubiales kissed national soccer player Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the medal ceremony, sparked outrage across the globe. The incident quickly became a flashpoint for conversations about gender, power, and consent in sports.

Rubiales' actions were widely condemned, leading to his dismissal from his role as the head of the federation. The Spanish government, along with various soccer organizations, quickly responded to the growing controversy, signalling a firm stance against such behavior. The legal proceedings that followed have culminated in a significant ruling, bringing justice to Hermoso and sending a strong message about accountability in sports leadership.

ALSO SEE: Victor Wembanyama to miss the rest of the NBA season due to shoulder injury

The kiss that sparked global outrage

The kiss occurred after Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women's World Cup, where Rubiales, in a moment of celebration, grabbed Hermoso and kissed her on the lips. The player later made it clear that she had not given her consent, and many viewed the act as an abuse of power. Hermoso's stance and the subsequent legal case have highlighted the need for greater respect for players’ autonomy and safety.

During her testimony, Hermoso told the court: "One of the happiest days of my life was tarnished, and I think it's very important for me to say that I never sought, much less expected, that this would happen. I think personally that it was a lack of respect." "I'd spent years fighting to win titles for my team, like the World Cup," she said. "But all that's happened to me means that I just haven't been able to enjoy any of it from the moment I set foot back in Madrid. I'm a world champion, but it seems that, even to this day, my life has been on standby. I honestly haven't been able to live freely."

Rubiales' legal conviction and consequences

On Thursday, a Spanish court found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault, recognizing the gravity of the unwanted kiss. The conviction comes after extensive public pressure and scrutiny over the incident, which garnered widespread media attention. The verdict is seen as a landmark moment in the ongoing fight for women's rights in sports, underlining that leadership figures must be held accountable for their actions.

Rubiales was acquitted, alongside three other defendants, on the separate charge of coercion after Hermoso accused him of trying to force her to support him in the aftermath of the kiss, which became one of the biggest scandals in the history of Spanish soccer. Prosecutors had pushed for Rubiales to be imprisoned for two-and-a-half years and Spain's High Court convicted Rubiales of assault for the forced kiss and fined him 10,800 euros ($11,300).