Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation, has been convicted of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent following the Women’s World Cup final in 2023. The Audiencia Nacional court in Spain ruled against Rubiales, imposing an 18-month fine equivalent to €20 per day. Additionally, Rubiales is prohibited from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters or communicating with her for one year. Despite the verdict, Rubiales maintains that the kiss was consensual and has announced plans to appeal the ruling.

The incident occurred during the medal ceremony after Spain's victory in the Women’s World Cup, where Rubiales controversially kissed Hermoso, prompting widespread backlash. Initially, a statement was released on Hermoso's behalf claiming the kiss was a “spontaneous mutual gesture,” but Hermoso later clarified that she did not consent to the kiss. The court found Rubiales guilty of violating Hermoso's sexual freedom, describing the act as a surprising infringement during a moment meant for celebration.

Rubiales had already faced severe repercussions prior to this ruling, including a three-year ban from all football-related activities imposed by FIFA due to his conduct during the World Cup final. The court's decision and Rubiales' subsequent appeal highlight the ongoing issues of consent and accountability in sports, especially in the context of women's football. The case has sparked significant discussions around misogyny and sexism within the sport, leading to a broader examination of the treatment of female athletes in Spain and beyond.