Former Spain’s football chief Rubiales convicted of sexual misconduct over forced kiss

KATHMANDU: Spain’s former football federation (RFEF) president, Luis Rubiales, has been found guilty of sexual misconduct, 550 days after the infamous World Cup kiss that shook Spanish and global football.

On Thursday, Spain’s High Court ruled that Rubiales forcibly kissed player Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the medal ceremony after Spain’s 2023 Women’s World Cup victory over England.

Rubiales had consistently claimed the kiss was consensual. However, the court fined him €10,800 and banned him from approaching Hermoso within 200 meters or contacting her for one year.

Rubiales announced plans to appeal the verdict. Prosecutors had sought a two-year and six-month prison sentence—one year for the kiss and 18 months for coercion. However, the court did not impose jail time.

The ruling emphasized that Rubiales acted inappropriately due to excessive excitement but asserted that his actions could not be excused.

Earlier this month, Hermoso testified that the incident tarnished what should have been the happiest day of her life. Spain captain Irene Paredes, who testified in Hermoso’s favor, respected the verdict but expressed surprise that Rubiales was cleared of coercion.

England and Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze praised Hermoso and her teammates for their courage.

The scandal has been seen as a turning point, exposing long-standing dissatisfaction within Spanish football regarding the treatment of female players.