Spanish Former Federation President Rubiales Sentenced to Fine After Forced Kiss

The forced kiss on the mouth of world champion Jennifer Hermoso after the 2023 World Cup final was deemed a sexual assault, punishable by a fine of 10,800 euros, the State Court in Madrid decided on Thursday. Rubiales told the news agency Reuters that he would appeal the decision.

According to many observers, Rubiales got away with an extremely lenient sentence. He and his three co-defendants were acquitted of the charge of coercion. The prosecution had demanded two and a half years in prison for the 47-year-old - one year for sexual coercion and one and a half years for the pressure exerted on the player to downplay the severity of the act. The defendant was now sentenced "to an 18-month fine of 20 euros per day," according to a court statement. Additionally, Rubiales is prohibited from approaching the player within 200 meters and from communicating with her for one year.

Three Co-defendants Not Legally Prosecuted

The three co-defendants will also not be legally prosecuted. Alongside Rubiales, former women's national coach Jorge Vilda, former RFEF sports director Albert Luque, and the former marketing chief of the federation, Rubén Rivera, were also on the bench.

This fine is "minimal," complained the Member of the European Parliament and former Spanish Minister of Equality, Irene Montero. Analyst Pablo Pombo echoed this sentiment on the TV channel "La Sexta," stating that the verdict was "completely inadequate." He indignantly exclaimed, "I hope there will soon be more convictions in Spanish football, because it is clear that it is completely rotten." The Association of Progressive Women of Spain expressed that they were "deeply disappointed" with the verdict.

Resignation of Rubiales

The scandal overshadowed the Spanish women's World Cup triumph in Sydney in August 2023. In the wake of the affair, Rubiales soon resigned as head of the national federation. He was subsequently banned for three years by the world federation (FIFA). Rubiales has repeatedly and consistently denied all allegations. Hermoso has repeatedly countered and also affirmed in court that the kiss was against her will.

The striker stated on the first day of the trial that the kiss caused her "disgust and revulsion" and "overshadowed one of the happiest days of my life." The 34-year-old also recounted that in the days following the World Cup, she was pressured by Rubiales and then federation employees to downplay the matter and not accuse Rubiales.

(APA/Red)

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