Former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales Found Guilty of Sexual Assault
In a case that has captured the attention of the football world and beyond, former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting player Jenni Hermoso on Thursday. The incident in question occurred after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, where Rubiales kissed Hermoso without her consent, a moment that overshadowed Spain’s historic victory.
Spain’s High Court has imposed a fine of over €10,000 ($10,434.00) on Rubiales for this crime. However, he was acquitted of a separate charge of coercion. This ruling comes after prosecutors had initially sought a prison sentence for Rubiales, highlighting the severity of the case and its implications on the celebrations of Spain’s first Women’s World Cup title. The incident has sparked a broader debate about sexism in women’s football and within Spanish society as a whole.
Rubiales maintained that Hermoso had consented to the kiss, a claim that Hermoso herself has consistently denied. The court’s decision to clear Rubiales of coercion charges related to his attempts to downplay the kiss during the awards ceremony in Sydney adds another layer of complexity to the case.
In addition to Rubiales, three other former Spanish federation members faced accusations of coercion. These individuals included former women’s team coach Jorge Vilda, sports director of the men’s team Albert Luque, and head of marketing Ruben Rivera. All three were also cleared of the coercion charges, which has been a point of contention in the ongoing discussions surrounding the case.
The court’s ruling includes a ban on Rubiales from coming within a 200-meter radius of Hermoso and prohibits any communication with her for a period of one year. The fine imposed on Rubiales is structured as €20 per day over an 18-month period, reflecting the court’s decision on the matter.
As of now, a lawyer representing Hermoso has not been available for comment, leaving many to speculate on the next steps for both parties involved. The case has undoubtedly left a significant mark on the landscape of women’s football, raising questions about the treatment of female athletes and the power dynamics at play within sports organizations.
For those following the case, here are some key points to consider:
- The fine imposed on Rubiales is over €10,000 ($10,434.00).
- Rubiales was acquitted of coercion charges.
- Three other former federation members were also cleared of coercion.
- The ruling includes a one-year ban on Rubiales from contacting Hermoso.
This case has not only been a legal battle but also a cultural one, as it has ignited discussions about the role of women in sports and the respect they deserve. The outcome of this case may serve as a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, both in Spain and internationally.
As the dust settles, the football community and society at large will be watching closely to see how this ruling impacts the ongoing conversation about gender equality and respect in sports. The hope is that this case will lead to positive changes and greater awareness of the issues faced by female athletes.
Information from Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: Reuters
