Spain Court Upholds Luis Rubiales Sexual Assault Conviction

Spain's High Court upheld the conviction of Luis Rubiales, former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, for sexually assaulting national team player Jenni Hermoso by forcibly kissing her during the 2023 Women's World Cup medal ceremony. The court rejected appeals from both Rubiales, who sought to overturn a €10,800 fine, and Hermoso, who had requested a harsher sentence including prison time for Rubiales and others. While Rubiales was acquitted of coercion charges, the court maintained the restraining order barring him from contacting Hermoso or coming within 200 meters of her for one year. Prosecutors had sought a 2½-year prison sentence, but the court ruled that the fine and ban were appropriate, noting Rubiales's restraint with others demonstrated the kiss was avoidable. The incident provoked widespread debate on sexism in Spain and women's football, intensifying the country's "Me Too" movement and culminating in Rubiales's resignation and a three-year ban from football activities. Feminist groups criticized the punishment as too lenient, viewing it as a "slap on the wrist."