Ex-Spanish FA chief found guilty of kissing female player without consent

Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), has been found guilty of kissing Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the medal ceremony at the Women’s World Cup in 2023.

The Audiencia Nacional court in Spain announced the verdict on Thursday.

Although Rubiales was guilty of sexual assault, he avoided a jail sentence and was only fined €10,800 — a fee of €20 per day over 18 months charged to the 47-year-old football administrator.

The ex-FA chief had kissed Hermoso on the lips during medal presentations after Spain won the Women’s World Cup (WWC) against England in August 2023.

When the backlash started, Rubiales refused to resign as the Spanish FA president until he was forced to quit due to internal pressure.

Then FIFA barred him from all football-related activities at national and international levels for three years.

In the latest ruling by the Spanish court, Rubiales was also prohibited from within 200 metres of Hermoso or communicating with her for one year.

Rubiales was, however, acquitted of coercion and allegedly trying to force Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensual.

Three other co-defendants of the coercion allegation were also found not guilty.

The court’s decision can be appealed at the Criminal Division of the National Court.