The shocking downfall of former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has sent ripples through the sporting world. His infamous kiss on Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory was not just a moment of controversy—it became the catalyst for a global conversation on sexism in football. Now, Spain’s High Court has found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault, a verdict that will be remembered as a turning point in the fight for equality in the sport.
Rubiales Convicted but Avoids Prison
The 47-year-old ex-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been ordered to pay a fine of over €10,000 (£8,274). However, he was acquitted of coercion—a charge related to allegations that he pressured Hermoso into publicly stating the kiss was consensual.
Prosecutors initially sought a prison sentence, but Rubiales has vowed to appeal the ruling, declaring, “I am going to keep fighting.” The decision has sparked debate, with many feeling the punishment does not go far enough.
Hermoso Speaks Out: ‘One of the Happiest Days Was Tainted’
At 34, Jenni Hermoso, Spain’s all-time leading goalscorer, should have been basking in the glory of her country’s first-ever Women’s World Cup title. Instead, she found herself at the center of a scandal that overshadowed Spain’s 1-0 victory over England in the final.
Speaking during the trial, she recalled the distressing moment:
“I felt disrespected. I never agreed to that kiss. The next thing I knew, he grabbed me by the ears and kissed me on the mouth. I knew I was being kissed by my boss, and that should not happen in any social or work environment.”
Hermoso’s testimony underscored how the incident robbed her of the joy of one of the biggest achievements of her career: “All this meant I couldn’t even enjoy being a world champion when I landed back in Madrid.”
A Scandal That Sparked Change in Women’s Football
Rubiales’ actions became more than just a personal controversy—they were a tipping point for the fight against sexism in football. The incident fueled protests, resignations, and calls for reform, with players demanding greater respect and equality within the sport.
Ruairidh Barlow, editor of Football Espana, told News Reporters that this case could be studied in the future as a landmark moment: “This was a moment when change came.”
However, some believe the punishment does not match the gravity of the crime. Critics argue that the fine is a mere slap on the wrist for Rubiales, who reportedly earns that amount in just four days. Many had hoped for a stronger ruling that would set a firm precedent against abuse of power in football.
The Verdict: A Step Forward or a Missed Opportunity?
While campaigners like Jane Kenyon from Girls Out Loud agree that a prison sentence may not have been necessary, she emphasizes that this case is about changing attitudes toward women in sports:
“It’s about saying this is not acceptable. From this point on, we learn and behave differently in public towards women.”
The ruling may not satisfy everyone, but it does send a message: no one, no matter how powerful, is above accountability.
The Rubiales scandal has ignited a movement, but the fight for gender equality in football is far from over. Will this case lead to stricter policies against misconduct in sports? Will federations worldwide take stronger measures to protect female athletes from harassment? Or Do you think the court’s decision was fair? Should Rubiales have received a harsher punishment? Drop your thoughts! ⚽🔥