Spain’s High Court upholds conviction of ex-football chief Rubiales in kiss case

Spain’s High Court on Wednesday upheld the conviction of former football federation president Luis Rubiales for sexually assaulting national team player Jenni Hermoso with a non-consensual kiss during the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Sydney.

The court dismissed several appeals, confirming that Rubiales kissed Hermoso without her consent during the medal ceremony following Spain’s championship win, according to a ruling reviewed by Reuters.

Rubiales was fined over €10,000 but was acquitted of coercion charges, along with three co-defendants. Prosecutors had sought a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence and a retrial, but both requests were rejected.

The incident ignited a national debate over sexism in Spanish society and women’s football, lending new energy to Spain’s version of the “Me Too” movement.

Rubiales had claimed the kiss was an uncontrollable expression of joy. However, the court dismissed this defense, noting that he had managed to restrain himself around other players and officials.

“As that emotion did not lead him to kiss other players or dignitaries in the stands, and he maintained self-control, he could have done the same with the team captain,” the court stated.