Spanish Court Delivers Final Verdict in High-Profile Football Scandal

A Spanish appeals court has definitively upheld the sexual assault conviction against former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales for his unsolicited kiss of player Jenni Hermoso following Spain's 2023 Women's World Cup victory. The ruling confirms:

• €10,800 fine (£9,206) imposed in February 2024
• 200-meter restraining order from Hermoso for one year
• Dismissal of Rubiales' appeal claiming "spontaneous affection"
• Rejection of prosecutors' push for harsher punishment

The Controversial Incident

During the medal ceremony in Sydney on August 20, 2023, Rubiales grabbed Hermoso's head and kissed her on the lips without consent. The player testified:

"I felt violated... This act stained what should have been my career's proudest moment."

Security footage shows Rubiales celebrating appropriately with other players, with judges noting he "demonstrated restraint with teammates that he failed to show the captain."

Legal Proceedings and Verdict

The three-judge panel at Madrid's Audiencia Nacional court concluded:

1. The kiss was not consensual despite Rubiales' claims
2. Hermoso immediately expressed discomfort to teammates
3. No evidence supported coercion charges against federation staff

Prosecutors had sought a 2.5-year prison sentence, but judges maintained the original penalty as proportional given Spain's sexual consent laws.

Impact on Spanish Football

This landmark case has:

• Sparked nationwide #SeAcabó (#ItIsOver) protests against sexism in sports
• Led to RFEF leadership overhaul and new equality protocols
• Inspired global conversations about athlete protection
• Resulted in 87% of Spaniards supporting stronger consent laws (CIS poll)

Three former RFEF officials cleared of coercion charges remain barred from working with national teams until 2027. The ruling sets precedent for future cases involving non-consensual physical contact in sports celebrations.