Spain's Court Upholds Ex-Federation Boss' Sexual Assault Conviction
Spanish High Court Affirms Conviction of Former Soccer Chief Luis Rubiales in Lip Incident
In an explosive ruling on June 25, 2025, Spain's High Court confirmed the guilty verdict against ex-football boss, Luis Rubiales. The matter stems from an unwanted kiss on the lips he bestowed upon national team player, Jenni Hermoso, during the 2023 World Cup medal ceremony in Sydney [1][2][5].
The court unequivocally rejected Rubiales' multiple appeals, emphasizing that his unsolicited kiss constituted sexual assault. The judges pointed out that Rubiales had exercised restraint in kissing others at the event, suggesting he could've similarly controlled his actions toward Hermoso [1].
While Rubiales was slapped with a fine of over €10,000 ($11,592), he escaped a prison sentence. Prosecutors had sought a custodial sentence of 2.5 years, a demand that was denied by the court [1][3]. He was also ordered to maintain a distance of at least 656 feet from Hermoso and is prohibited from having any communication with her for a year [5].
This controversial incident has sparked a heated debate about sexism in Spanish society and the treatment of women in football, giving impetus to the "Me Too" movement in Spain [1]. Rubiales had vacated his position shortly after the World Cup incident in September 2023 and was disqualified by FIFA from all international soccer activities for three years [5]. The damning episode left an indelible mark on Hermoso, who testified that it led to a barrage of media harassment and death threats against her and her family [5].
In essence, Spain’s High Court has unequivocally upheld Rubiales’ sexual assault conviction, reaffirming the fine and restrictions imposed on him while rejecting all appeals [1][2][5].
[1] Spain's High Court Upholds Ex-Federation Boss' Sexual Assault Conviction, Los Angeles Times, June 25, 2025.[2] Spain's Court Confirms Ex-Federation Boss' Guilty Verdict in Sexual Assault Case, Associated Press, June 25, 2025.[3] Spanish Ex-Federation Head Avoids Jail Time Despite Sexual Assault Conviction, BBC News, June 25, 2025.[4] Unwanted Kiss: The Fall of Spanish Football Executive Luis Rubiales, The Independent, June 25, 2025.[5] The Aftermath: Jenni Hermoso and the Fallout from Luis Rubiales' Unwanted Kiss, The New York Times, June 25, 2025.
- The controversy surrounding the sexual assault conviction of ex-Spanish football boss, Luis Rubiales, has led to intense discussions about sexism in Spanish society and its impact on women in sports, particularly football.
- The European leagues, including Laliga, have been closely following the events surrounding Rubiales' conviction, as it highlights the need for stricter policy-and-legislation regarding inappropriate behavior in sports.
- The ruling underscores the importance of general news coverage in holding influential figures accountable for their actions, providing a platform for victims to share their experiences and push for change.
- The influence of sports in politics and society, as demonstrated by this case, highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing sexual harassment and assault, extending beyond the sports sector to other industries.
- The repercussions of Rubiales' actions extend beyond the courtroom, with football players, fans, and society at large grappling with the implications for both the sport and women's rights in Spain.
