Former president of the Spanish soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, was found guilty of sexual assault on Wednesday for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. The ruling, issued by Spain’s High Court, includes a fine of €10,000 (approximately $10,434) and mandates that Rubiales must maintain a distance of at least 200 meters from Hermoso and refrain from any communication with her for one year.

The incident took place during the medal ceremony following Spain’s historic victory at the Women’s World Cup in Sydney, where the national team celebrated their triumph. Jenni Hermoso, who plays professionally in the Mexican soccer league and has represented Spain on the national team, publicly stated that Rubiales’ kiss “tarnished” what should have been one of the happiest days of her life. The controversy that erupted from the kiss ignited widespread condemnation and scrutiny of Rubiales’ conduct.

Throughout the proceedings, Rubiales maintained that the kiss was consensual, a claim that was met with considerable public skepticism. The case drew significant media attention and led to a broader discussion about consent and accountability in sports. In Spain, the penal code classifies a nonconsensual kiss as sexual assault, underscoring the legal framework that informed the court’s decision.

In addition to the sexual assault charge, Rubiales and three of his co-defendants faced a separate charge of coercion for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to publicly state that the kiss was consensual. However, the court acquitted them of this charge. The landscape of the case was shaped not only by Hermoso’s experience but also by the ensuing backlash against Rubiales, which ultimately resulted in his resignation from the presidency of the Spanish soccer federation as well as a three-year ban from participating in soccer-related activities as imposed by FIFA.

The fallout from this incident has prompted calls for systemic changes within sports organizations, focusing on promoting a culture of respect, consent, and accountability. Various stakeholders, including players and officials, have expressed a desire to foster an environment where athletes can feel safe and respected.

As the legal proceedings conclude, the implications of this case continue to resonate throughout the soccer community and beyond, signifying a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussions surrounding sexual assault, power dynamics, and the treatment of female athletes in sports. The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of consent and the