The trial of former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has concluded, with a verdict expected in the coming weeks.
Rubiales, 47, faces charges of sexual assault and coercion over a controversial non-consensual kiss on Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup medal ceremony. The incident, which was broadcast live worldwide, sparked global outrage and led to his resignation as the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Key Charges and Legal Proceedings
Prosecutors are seeking a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales—one year for sexual assault and 18 months for coercion. Alongside him, former Spain women’s team coach Jorge Vilda and two ex-federation officials are also charged with attempting to pressure Hermoso into downplaying the incident, with prosecutors requesting 18-month sentences for them.
During the trial, Hermoso, 34, stated that she did not consent to the kiss and described feeling “disrespected” by Rubiales’ actions. Meanwhile, Rubiales maintained that the kiss was mutual, calling it “an act of affection” and insisting that Hermoso agreed to it.
The Fallout and Wider Impact
The backlash following the incident put a spotlight on sexism and misogyny in sports, igniting protests and debates about gender equality in football. Initially, Rubiales refused to step down, dismissing criticism as “false feminism,” but after FIFA suspended him and Spanish authorities launched an investigation, he resigned in September 2023.
With the trial now concluded, Judge Jose Manuel Fernandez-Prieto is set to announce the verdict in the coming weeks, marking a pivotal moment in a case that has reshaped discussions on gender dynamics in football.
