Spain's ex-football boss Luis Rubiales fined for World Cup kiss

Luis Rubiales, the former president of Spain's football federation, has been found guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. The Spanish High Court has ordered Rubiales to pay a fine of €10,800 (£8,942). However, he was acquitted of coercion charges, which claimed he pressured Hermoso into publicly declaring the kiss was consensual.

The incident occurred during the 2023 Women's World Cup celebration, when Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain's victory over England. This sparked protests and widespread calls for his resignation.

In addition to the fine, the court imposed a one-year ban on Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters or communicating with her. Three of Rubiales’s former colleagues—Jorge Vilda, the World Cup-winning coach, Rubén Rivera, the former head of marketing at the Spanish football federation (RFEF), and Albert Luque, the ex-sporting director—were cleared of charges related to coercion.

Prosecutors had initially sought a prison sentence for Rubiales, who maintained in court that he was "absolutely sure" Hermoso consented to the kiss, describing it as a spontaneous "act of affection." Hermoso, however, testified that she did not consent and that the kiss "stained one of the happiest days of my life."

The kiss, broadcast to millions, triggered a significant uproar and contributed to a "Me Too"-style movement in Spanish women's football, advocating for gender equality and an end to sexism. After facing significant pressure, Rubiales resigned in September 2023, following a suspension by FIFA and an investigation by Spanish prosecutors.