Spain’s Supreme Court has convicted ex-Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales on charge of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. The court imposed a fine of more than €10k ($10,434) but cleared Rubiales of coercion.
The indictment initially called for a prison term as the case caused a national discussion about sexism in women’s football and beyond to Spain. The decision also prohibits Rubiales from coming within 200 meters (650 feet) and for contacting Hermoso for one year.
The dust-up began after Rubiales embraced Hermoso during the post-match ceremony for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final in Sydney. He was then accused (along with three former soccer federation chiefs) of coercing Hermoso into claiming it was a consensual kiss. 
Rubiales, 47, has continued to insist he acted in good faith but legal woes following the verdict highlight Spain’s swifter reaction to a breach of consent laws. The ruling follows renewed attention on power imbalances in sport and the way the world treats female athletes.
A spokesman for Hermoso was not immediately available for comment after the ruling. But the case has already weathered serious consequences for Spanish football, triggering reforms in the SFC and ignited a global conversation on women’s rights within sports.
