The world of football has been rocked by controversy as former Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of kissing Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
The shocking incident, which took place during Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup victory celebration in 2023, sparked widespread outrage, protests, and a call for equality in women’s football. Now, Spain’s High Court has ruled against Rubiales, ordering him to pay a fine of over €10,000 (£8,274).
While the court acquitted him of coercion charges, the guilty verdict on the non-consensual kiss has further fueled discussions about sexism and respect in sports. Let’s break down the case, its impact on women’s football, and what this ruling means for the future of sports governance.
The Incident: A Victory Celebration Overshadowed by Controversy
The moment should have been one of pure joy—Spain had just defeated England 1-0 to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup. As players celebrated, receiving their medals and soaking in the historic triumph, Rubiales took the stage to congratulate them.
However, what was meant to be a celebratory occasion turned into an international scandal. In front of the cameras, the then-president of the Spanish Football Federation kissed Jenni Hermoso on the lips without her consent.
Hermoso, a veteran of the Spanish national team and the all-time top scorer, later revealed that the kiss was not mutual, stating that it “tainted one of the happiest days of my life.”
Rubiales, on the other hand, insisted that the moment was nothing more than a spontaneous act of excitement. But the backlash that followed proved otherwise.
Public Outrage and the Call for Change
The incident sparked immediate backlash from players, fans, and organizations worldwide. Women’s football had already been fighting for equality and respect, and this incident became a symbol of deeper issues within the sport.
Many saw it as a blatant act of disrespect, reinforcing the gender imbalance and lack of professionalism that female athletes often face. Protests erupted across Spain, with demonstrators demanding “a sport free of sexist violence.”
In response to the controversy, Spain’s national women’s team took a stand, boycotting matches in protest. The men’s team also expressed their solidarity, further pushing the conversation into the mainstream.
It wasn’t just about one kiss—it was about power dynamics, workplace respect, and holding sports officials accountable.
The Legal Battle: Hermoso Stands Her Ground
As public pressure mounted, legal proceedings against Rubiales began. Jenni Hermoso, determined to seek justice, testified in court about the impact of the incident.
She described how she felt “disrespected” and how the kiss took away from what should have been a monumental day in her career. She recalled the moment, saying:
“I knew I was being kissed by my boss, and that should not happen in any social or work environment.”
Rubiales, however, repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He claimed that the kiss was consensual and happened in a “moment of jubilation.”
Despite his defense, the evidence and testimonies weighed heavily against him. The Spanish High Court ruled that the kiss was non-consensual, leading to his guilty verdict.
FIFA’s Reaction and Rubiales’ Downfall
Even before the court’s decision, FIFA had already taken action against Rubiales. Following the scandal, football’s governing body banned him from all football-related activities for three years.
This marked a significant move in ensuring accountability among sports officials. FIFA’s ruling reinforced that misconduct, regardless of position or influence, would not be tolerated in football.
In September 2023, facing mounting pressure, Rubiales resigned from his position as RFEF president and also stepped down from his role as one of UEFA’s vice-presidents.
Despite calling the accusations a “witch hunt” led by “false feminists,” his career in football governance had come to a crashing end.
The Impact on Women’s Football: A Pivotal Moment for Equality
This case has become more than just a legal battle—it has become a turning point for women’s football and the fight for gender equality in sports.
For years, female athletes have faced discrimination, unequal pay, and a lack of respect compared to their male counterparts. The scandal surrounding Rubiales shed light on these persistent issues and forced the sporting world to acknowledge the need for change.
Spain’s women’s team took a stand, refusing to back down until real action was taken. Their fight inspired women in sports globally to demand better treatment, respect, and professional conduct from officials.
As a result, this case could have lasting effects on sports policies, encouraging stricter regulations and accountability for misconduct in football and beyond.
Jenni Hermoso’s Strength: Standing Up for Respect in Sports
Through it all, Jenni Hermoso has remained a symbol of resilience. Instead of staying silent, she used her voice to fight for what is right—not just for herself but for all women in sports.
Her courage in speaking out against one of football’s most powerful figures has empowered many others to do the same. She proved that no matter how high someone’s position is, they must be held accountable for their actions.
Now playing for Liga MX Femenil club Tigres UANL, Hermoso continues to thrive in her career, demonstrating that strength isn’t just about performance on the field—it’s about standing up for dignity and respect.
Final Thoughts: A Victory for Accountability in Football
The guilty verdict against Luis Rubiales is more than just a legal decision—it’s a statement. It’s a win for women’s sports, a victory for respect, and a crucial step toward dismantling the toxic culture that has long plagued football governance.
While the battle for equality in football is far from over, this case has set a precedent. It has sent a clear message: misconduct and abuse of power will not go unpunished.
For Jenni Hermoso, for Spain’s national team, and for female athletes worldwide, this moment will be remembered as a significant step forward in ensuring that respect, professionalism, and accountability are non-negotiable in sports.
