Spain's high court has found former football federation president Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso without her consent. He has been fined more than 10,000 euros (approximately $10,434) in a case that has caused nationwide outrage.
The court acquitted Rubiales of coercion charges, a decision seen by Reuters. In response, Rubiales stated he would appeal the ruling, asserting, \"I am going to keep fighting.\" Similarly, Hermoso's lawyer, Angel Chavarria, confirmed the player will also appeal, though no further details were provided.
Prosecutors initially sought a prison sentence for Rubiales, 47, over the incident. The case ignited a heated debate in Spain about sexism in women's football and society, and it has given momentum to a broader \"Me Too\" movement within the country.
The court also acquitted Rubiales' three co-defendants, who were accused of trying to coerce Hermoso into consenting to the kiss during the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney. This scandal overshadowed Spain's historic victory in the tournament.
In addition to the sexual assault charges, Rubiales is the subject of a separate corruption investigation related to commissions paid over a lucrative deal to host the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. Throughout the trial, Rubiales maintained that Hermoso had consented to the kiss amid the celebrations.
Judge Jose Manuel Fernandez-Prieto, however, stated he believed Hermoso's testimony that the kiss was non-consensual. While he found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault, he noted that the offense was of minor intensity due to the lack of violence or intimidation.
Given that the incident involved a kiss rather than a more serious action, Judge Fernandez-Prieto decided against a prison sentence. Instead, Rubiales was fined, with the court opting for a pecuniary penalty over a custodial sentence.
The ruling also imposes a restriction on Rubiales, preventing him from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters (218 yards) and from communicating with her for one year. Additionally, he is required to compensate Hermoso with 3,000 euros (approximately $3,151). The fine amounts to 20 euros (about $21) per day over an 18-month period.
Reference(s):
Former Spanish football chief Rubiales fined over non-consensual kiss
cgtn.com
