Rubiales Conviction Upheld: Spain Court Ruling
- Spain's High Court on Wednesday upheld the sexual assault conviction of Luis Rubiales,the former president of the nation's soccer federation.
- The court rejected appeals against the conviction, affirming that the kiss occurred without Hermoso's consent.
- The incident ignited a national debate about sexism in Spanish society and women's soccer, galvanizing the Me Too movement within the country.
Spain’s High Court definitively upheld luis Rubiales’ sexual assault conviction, a major development. The ruling, stemming from the controversial kiss on Jenni Hermoso during the World Cup, solidifies the initial judgment against the former soccer federation president. Rubiales faced a fine, but coercion charges were dismissed. This decision marks a meaningful moment in Spain’s ongoing conversation about gender equality and the Me Too movement galvanizing in the country. News directory 3 reports on how the court refuted Rubiales’ defense. The case could reshape legal standards regarding consent. Discover what’s next for women’s rights in sports.
Spain Court Upholds Rubiales Sexual Assault Conviction in Kissing Incident
Updated june 25,2025
Spain’s High Court on Wednesday upheld the sexual assault conviction of Luis Rubiales,the former president of the nation’s soccer federation. the ruling stems from Rubiales’ unsolicited kiss on the lips of Jenni Hermoso, a player on the Spanish national team, during the 2023 World Cup medal ceremony in sydney.
The court rejected appeals against the conviction, affirming that the kiss occurred without Hermoso’s consent. Rubiales received a fine exceeding €10,000. However, the court dismissed coercion charges against him and three co-defendants. Prosecutors’ requests for a two-and-a-half-year prison sentance and a retrial were also denied.
The incident ignited a national debate about sexism in Spanish society and women’s soccer, galvanizing the Me Too movement within the country. The court addressed Rubiales’ defense that his actions stemmed from uncontrollable joy.
“As that emotion did not lead him to express his joy so effusively by kissing the other players or the accompanying persons in the box, and he restrained himself, he could also have done so, without too much effort, wiht the captain of the team,” the court said.
What’s next
The ruling marks a significant moment in Spain’s ongoing conversation about gender equality and the treatment of women in sports. The case may influence future legal standards regarding consent and behavior in professional settings.