Luis Rubiales, the former Spanish football president, has been found guilty of sexual assault following a controversial unconsented kiss on player Jenni Hermoso. The incident, which occurred after the 2023 Women's World Cup final, resulted in Rubiales being fined over €10,000 (£8,400). Despite prosecutors' push for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence, Rubiales and three other defendants were cleared of coercion charges.
The kiss, which took place during the celebrations of Spain's first Women's World Cup victory, sparked widespread outrage across the nation. It overshadowed the celebrations and led to intense public debate on women's rights and respectful conduct. In response to the guilty verdict, Hermoso expressed that it set an "important precedent" for women's rights in Spain.
As part of the court's ruling, Spain's National Court has prohibited Rubiales from approaching within 200 meters (yards) of Hermoso or communicating with her for a year. However, the legal proceedings are far from over. Prosecutors are advocating for a retrial, citing procedural errors. They allege that the judge improperly excluded certain pieces of evidence and denied relevant questions during the original trial.
The case is now under appeal in Spain's National Court. Prosecutors argue that these oversights hindered a fair trial and are pressing for a new trial to ensure justice is served. The ongoing legal battle continues to capture national attention, as it challenges societal norms and addresses issues of consent and accountability.
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