Luis Rubiales Convicted for Sexual Assault Against Jenni Hermoso

San Fernando de Henares, Spain — Luis Rubiales, the embattled former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, has been sentenced to 18 months of fines following his conviction for sexual assault against player Jenni Hermoso. The judgment comes in the wake of the controversial kiss he forced on Hermoso during the medal ceremony of the Women’s World Cup in Sydney in August 2023.

The Central Criminal Court of the National Court handed down the ruling on February 20, 2025, prohibiting Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters for the next year. The court, presided over by Judge José Manuel Fernández-Prieto, found Rubiales guilty of a lesser charge of sexual assault but acquitted him and three co-defendants, including former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, of coercion against Hermoso.

In the ruling, Prosecutors had sought a sentence of two years and six months, arguing that the kiss constituted an act of aggression and that Rubiales attempted to minimize the incident by pressuring Hermoso to downplay its significance. The judge’s comments reflected the gravity of the case, stating, “Even when it seems unbelievable, we have come to an end.”

During the trial, which spanned nine sessions over several weeks, Hermoso described the kiss as disrespectful and non-consensual, asserting that her consent was neither sought nor given. In contrast, Rubiales maintained that he believed the kiss was consensual, claiming Hermoso responded affirmatively when he asked for permission. “She pressed against me strongly and raised her arms,” he recalled, insisting the act was merely a spontaneous display of affection.

The case has sparked widespread discussion about the culture of sexism in sports, particularly in light of the global backlash stemming from Rubiales’ actions, which led to his resignation from the federation in September 2023. “We’ve seen a profound change in attitudes surrounding misconduct in sports,” said a legal analyst, reflecting the sentiments shared by many advocates for women’s rights.

Judge Fernández-Prieto noted that the ruling can be appealed. The prosecution had initially sought prison time for Rubiales, but the court ultimately chose to impose financial penalties instead. As for the co-defendants: Vilda and two former federation officials, Albert Luque and Rubén Rivera, also face accusations of attempting to coerce Hermoso into publicly defending Rubiales post-incident.

The public reaction has been one of outrage and support for Hermoso, who has become a symbol of the fight against sexual aggression in sports. “This case is not just about one incident; it’s about changing the culture that has allowed these actions to persist without consequence,” said Marta Durantez Gil, the prosecutor handling the case.

Rubiales’ defense attorney argued in closing statements that the behavior exhibited during the celebration should be categorized as an uncontrollable expression of joy, not a criminal act. However, prosecutors emphasized that consent must be clearly established in such circumstances, challenging the notion that celebratory contexts excuse non-consensual acts.

As both sides await the court’s final ruling on coercion charges against Vilda and others, the case has already had a profound impact on discussions surrounding women’s rights, sports ethics, and the responsibilities of power in society.