Spain’s High Court Upholds Conviction of Ex-Soccer Chief Luis Rubiales for Unsolicited Kiss on Jenni Hermoso’s Lips
Spain’s High Court has rejected the appeals of former soccer federation president Luis Rubiales, upholding a verdict that found him guilty of sexual assault for an unsolicited kiss on the lips of national team player Jenni Hermoso at the 2023 World Cup in Sydney.
The court reaffirmed that Rubiales kissed Hermoso without her consent during the medal ceremony after Spain’s women had won the trophy.
The kiss sparked widespread debate about sexism in Spanish society and women’s football, fueling momentum for the “Me Too” movement in the country. Rubiales argued that his actions were motivated by uncontrollable joy after Spain’s triumph.
However, the court ruled that his restraint with other players and attendees demonstrated he could have avoided such behavior with Hermoso.
Rubiales was fined over €10,000 ($11,592) and acquitted of coercion charges alongside three co-defendants. Prosecutors had sought a 2-1/2-year prison sentence and called for a retrial, both of which were dismissed.
The court’s decision emphasizes that Rubiales’ emotional state didn’t justify his actions, and he could have restrained himself
Luis Rubiales’ career has almost certainly ended in disgrace.
In contrast, Hermoso continues to play and is currently on the books of Tigres UANL in Mexico. Although she’s been left out of Spain’s Euro 2025 squad, her career remains unaffected by the controversy.
