Court Upholds Rubiales' Conviction for Forced Kiss on Hermoso: Still No Consent, Still a Sexual Assault
Unwanted kiss by Rubiales constituting a form of sexual assault remains unchanged.
In a shocking turn of events, former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales' appeal has been denied, solidifying the verdict that his kiss on football star Jennifer Hermoso was indeed a sexual assault. Rubiales wishes to take his case to the Supreme Court.
The initial ruling against Rubiales has been upheld in the appeals process. The forced kiss at the World Cup victory ceremony was once more labeled a "sexual assault," and the 10,800 euro fine remains in place. The verdict was met by both Rubiales and the prosecution, who had both filed appeals in response to the initial decision.
Rubiales' lawyer, Olga Tubau, informed the Associated Press (AP) on Wednesday that the former official will move forward with an appeal to the Supreme Court.
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The court determined that the original characterization of the incident as a sexual assault was accurate, stating that there was no consent in the kiss from the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Rubiales, along with the other three defendants, were acquitted of coercion charges in February.
The prosecutor, Marta Durántez, demanded a heavy sentence of 2 years and 6 months in prison for Rubiales in the first instance. Durántez then called for the "procedure to be declared invalid" and a new hearing "with a different judge who does not appear to be biased."
Rubiales grabbed national player Hermoso's head with both hands and forcibly kissed her on the mouth after the World Cup triumph in Australia. The incident was broadcast worldwide, causing outrage. Under the reform of Spanish law, a non-consensual kiss is now considered a sexual assault.
Source: ntv.de, ter/sid
- Sexual Assault
- Football
Enrichment Data:
The current conviction for Luis Rubiales in the case of sexual assault involving Jennifer Hermoso stands firm, with Spain's National Court upholding the original judgment and fine. Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault for the non-consensual kiss he gave Hermoso at the Women’s World Cup final in August 2023. The fine was calculated as 18 months at a rate of 20 euros per day, totaling approximately 10,800 euros. Additionally, Rubiales was sentenced to pay a 3,000 euro fine for moral damages and was ordered to stay 200 meters away from Hermoso for a year.[1][3][4]
Despite appeals from the prosecution, Hermoso’s legal team, the footballers’ union, and Rubiales’ defense, the appeals court rejected all appeals, maintaining the original sentence.[1][3]
However, the prosecution has taken an unusual step by filing an appeal to annul the trial altogether, arguing that the process was flawed due to the alleged partiality of the judge, José Manuel Fernández Prieto, who presided over the trial. Durántez claims that key questions were not allowed, some evidence was not admitted, and the application of the relevant Penal Code article (Article 178.1 regarding sexual assault without consent) was incorrect.[2][5]
There is currently no clear public statement on Rubiales' own future appeal intentions and strategy, as the focus is on the prosecution’s procedural appeal rather than a new appeal by Rubiales himself. Nonetheless, with the prosecutor challenging the trial’s validity, it is possible the case may be reopened if the National Court grants the appeal.[2]
Summary:
- Luis Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault for an unsolicited kiss on Jennifer Hermoso and fined around 10,800 euros; coercion charges were dismissed.[1][3][4]
- The February 2025 ruling was upheld on June 25, 2025, with all appeals rejected by the National Court.[1][3]
- The prosecution has appealed to invalidate the trial due to judicial bias and procedural errors, seeking a retrial with a different judge.[2][5]
- Rubiales has not publicly announced any future appeal plans beyond the rejected appeals.[2]
In summary, the conviction and fine for Rubiales in the case of sexual assault against Hermoso have been upheld, while the prosecution seeks a retrial due to procedural issues. The legal drama unfolds as we move forward.
- The initial conviction of Luis Rubiales for sexual assault against Jennifer Hermoso has been upheld by the National Court in Spain, following an appeal process.
- The fine of around 10,800 euros remains in place as the court determined that Rubiales' kiss was non-consensual and therefore a sexual assault.
- Despite the appeals by Rubiales' defense and others, the case remains ongoing, with the prosecution having filed an appeal to invalidate the trial due to perceived judicial bias and procedural errors.
