Anti-Climactic Appeal: Luis Rubiales' Kiss on Jennifer Hermoso Still Labeled as "Sexual Assault"
Forced Kiss By Rubiales Constitutes "Sexual Assault"
The initial verdict against former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been upheld in the appeal process, confirming his kiss on the mouth of player Jennifer Hermoso as "sexual assault." Despite his plans to appeal, the original fine of €10,800 remains.
In the second instance, the court's determination that the first instance court's qualification of the facts as sexual assault was correct. The decision was based on the absence of consent during the kiss by Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Initially, Rubiales and four other defendants were acquitted of coercion charges in February.
The defense lawyers had hoped for an acquittal, but Prosecutor Marta Durántez Gil demanded a new hearing with a different judge to ensure impartiality. She had initially sought a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales in the first instance.
Rubiales infamously grabbed Hermoso's head with both hands and kissed her on the mouth in the middle of the Women's World Cup final medal ceremony in Australia. The kiss, broadcast globally on TV, caused widespread outrage. As a result of Spanish criminal law reform, non-consensual kissing is now considered sexual assault.
The Aftermath
On June 25, 2025, Spain’s National Court (Audiencia Nacional) reaffirmed the original sentence against Luis Rubiales, which includes an 18-month fine totaling over €10,000 at a rate of €20 per day. Rubiales was also ordered to maintain a 200-meter distance from Hermoso and refrain from any contact for one year[1][2][3].
Rubiales has since resigned from his position at the federation and admitted his actions were wrong[1]. Gonzalo Gómez Hernández, the current president of the RFEF, describes the incident as a "disgrace" and a violation of the principle of gender equality[1].
The court emphasized that Rubiales could have exercised restraint despite his claims of uncontrollable joy, as he clearly demonstrated self-restraint with others[2]. The case has sparked nationwide discussions about consent and gender equality in sports and has contributed to the ongoing momentum of the Me Too movement in Spain[2].
Source: ntv.de, ter/sid
Key Takeaways:
- The National Court reaffirmed the conviction of Luis Rubiales for sexual assault against Jennifer Hermoso.
- Rubiales was ordered to pay a total fine of over €10,000 and maintain a 200-meter distance from Hermoso for one year.
- The court emphasized Rubiales' failure to exercise self-restraint in the unsolicited kiss.
- Rubiales has since resigned from his position at the federation.
- The case has contributed to a broader conversation on gender equality and consent in Spanish sports.
- The National Court's decision to uphold the conviction of Luis Rubiales for sexual assault against Jennifer Hermoso includes an 18-month fine and a year-long mandatory distance from Hermoso, as well as a ban on any contact.
- The aftermath of the incident has led to a significant discussion about consent and gender equality in Spanish sports, with the current president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) describing it as a "disgrace."
