Luis Rubiales Fined for Non-Consensual Kiss at Women’s World Cup

The former Spanish football chief avoided jail time but faces criticism for the leniency of the court's decision.

Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexual aggression for kissing player Jennifer Hermoso without consent during the 2023 Women’s World Cup victory ceremony.
The court imposed a fine of approximately €11,000 and restricted Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters or contacting her for one year.
The judge cited the absence of violence or intimidation as the reason for the relatively mild punishment, which has sparked widespread criticism.
Rubiales and his three co-defendants were acquitted of coercion charges related to allegations they pressured Hermoso to downplay the incident.
The case has drawn attention to systemic sexism in Spanish football, with activists and public figures condemning the verdict as insufficient and symbolic of deeper issues.