Despite being found guilty, the former RFEF chief will not spend any time in jail
Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of sexual assault for forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup awards ceremony.
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However, Spain’s High Court has handed him a mere fine of €10,000 (₦15 million), sparing him a prison sentence.
Minimal punishment despite guilty verdict
Although prosecutors pushed for a jail term, Judge Jose Manuel Fernández-Prieto ruled that the incident, while “always reproachable,” lacked violence or intimidation, making it a low-intensity sexual assault.
Luis Rubiales involve in kissing scandal || Photo Credit: Imago
Instead of jail time, Rubiales was handed a €10,000 fine, spread over 18 months, as well a one-year restraining order, preventing him from coming within 200 meters of Hermoso or contacting her and an additional €3,000 compensation to be paid to Hermoso.
The court also acquitted three other defendants, who were accused of pressuring Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual after the World Cup final.
Former RFEF president Luis Rubiales | Imago
Despite the ruling, Rubiales has maintained his innocence and confirmed he will appeal the verdict, continuing to deny any wrongdoing.
Activists react to Rubiales judgement
The ruling has been hailed as a symbolic victory for women’s rights, even though the lenient punishment has drawn criticism.
Alexia Putellas and Jennifer Hermoso wore each others’ jerseys while celebrating the 2023 Women’s World Cup win | Imago
Spain’s Equality Minister Ana Redondo said after the ruling, “When there is no consent, there is assault. The victim’s word is honoured, as the law stipulates, and should not be questioned.”
Similarly, feminist politician Irene Montero added, “Not long ago, it was unthinkable that a court would recognise a kiss without consent as sexual assault. Feminism is changing everything: Only ‘yes’ means ‘yes’.”
Spanish footballer Jennifer Hermoso celebrates with her World Cup winners medal following the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, Australia | Photo Credit: Imago Images
Meanwhile, the Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) called the verdict a step forward for women’s rights, pushing for a sport free of abuse and inequality.
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