Breaking: Luis Rubiales found guilty of kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso without consent

February 20, 2025 journo

Spain’s High Court has found former Spanish soccer head Luis Rubiales guilty of kissing star striker Jenni Hermoso on the lips without consent, after the Women’s World Cup final in Sydney in 2023.

Rubiales, 47, was accused of sexual assault and coercion over allegations he tried to pressure Ms Hermoso into declaring the kiss was consensual.

The court ordered him to pay a fine worth more than 10,000 euros ($16,300), but acquitted him of the charge of coercion.

In a statement, the court said it had also banned Rubiales from getting within 200 metres of Ms Hermoso or communicating with her for a year.

The 2023 incident sparked debate in Spain about sexism in women’s football and wider Spanish society.

Rubiales was accused of sexual assault for the kiss, and also accused — along with three other former soccer federation officials — of attempting to then coerce Ms Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual.