Rubiales Guilty of Sexual Assault in Hermoso Case

Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault for forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso without her consent after Spain's 2023 Women's World Cup victory. The Spanish High Court fined him over €10,000 and imposed a restraining order, preventing him from contacting Hermoso for a year. While Rubiales maintained the kiss was consensual, Hermoso consistently testified otherwise, describing the incident as disrespectful and tarnishing a joyful moment. He was acquitted of coercion charges, alongside three other RFEF officials, who were accused of pressuring Hermoso to support Rubiales' version of events. The case sparked a significant discussion on sexism and consent in sports, leading to Rubiales resigning under intense public scrutiny and being banned by FIFA for three years. The court's decision can still be appealed.