Former Spanish Soccer Official Convicted for Unwanted Kiss on Jenni Hermoso After World Cup Triumph

In a significant verdict, Luis Rubiales, the ex-president of Spain’s soccer federation, was found guilty of sexual assault after forcibly kissing Spanish soccer star Jenni Hermoso. This incident occurred in full view of the world as Spain celebrated their victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia. The legal proceedings concluded with Rubiales being held accountable, although many voiced that the consequences were insufficient given the gravity of the act.

The forcible kiss, which was broadcast live, became a symbol of the ongoing struggles against inappropriate behavior in sports, particularly highlighting the power dynamics between male officials and female athletes. Jenni Hermoso, who identifies as gay and is a prominent member of Team LGBTQ, was clear in her testimony: “My boss was kissing me,” she stated. “This should not happen.” This statement resonated widely, emphasizing the need for respect and consent in all interactions.

Despite the guilty verdict on the charge of sexual assault, Rubiales was cleared of coercion. As a result, the court imposed a monetary fine of approximately $11,270 on him. The court also ordered Rubiales to maintain a distance of at least 200 meters from Hermoso for a year and to pay her 3,000 euros for the moral damage caused. Nevertheless, the sentence fell short of the 2.5-year prison term that prosecutors had sought. The judge, José Manuel Fernández-Prieto, clarified that a kiss is not a conventional greeting between individuals without an emotional bond.

Meanwhile, the other associates of Rubiales, who were implicated in a coercion scheme aimed at dissuading Hermoso from pursuing her complaint, were acquitted. This decision stirred a wave of disappointment and frustration among advocates for women's rights and gender equality, including the Federation of Progressive Women, who expressed concern over the message the lenient sentence sends about sexual violence and judicial accountability.

In Hermoso’s testimony, she recounted the sequence of events on that triumphant day: “I greeted the queen, I greeted her daughter. The next thing was meeting Rubiales.” She described how their celebratory hug turned into an unsolicited kiss when Rubiales grabbed her by the ears. The shock of the moment was compounded by the lack of immediate support from the federation, leaving Hermoso feeling isolated during what should have been a celebratory occasion. Despite this, Hermoso continued to celebrate Spain’s historic win with her teammates, emphasizing her resilience and determination to focus on her sporting achievements.

Rubiales, on the other hand, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, framing the allegations as attacks from "fake feminists." His resignation from the top position in Spain's soccer federation came only after sustained public outcry and pressure.

The trial has not only shed light on the personal trauma experienced by Hermoso but also ignited a broader conversation about the treatment of women in sports, the importance of consent, and the need for systemic change to ensure safe and respectful environments.

Organizations advocating for gender equality argue that the decision fails to adequately deter future misconduct and might discourage victims of sexual violence from coming forward. Their concerns highlight a critical need for societal and legal systems to better support victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

As the sports world continues to grapple with these issues, Hermoso's story stands as a testament to courage and the ongoing fight for dignity and respect for all athletes, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

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In related news, during the trial against the former soccer president, Hermoso once again reiterated the importance of consent: "A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so." Her statement underscores the core issue at the heart of this case, further challenging the sports world to reflect and adapt.

Hermoso’s case is a catalyst for change, prompting a reevaluation of how female athletes are treated by those in authority and reinforcing the imperative for respect and equality in sports and beyond.