AFCON 2025
Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation has been guilty of sexually assaulting Spain senior women’s national team player Jenni Hermoso.
The former president came under fierce criticism after he planted a kiss on Jenni Hermoso’s lips during the medal presentation ceremony after Spain defeated England in the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Rubiales claims he’s “absolutely sure” Jenni Hermoso gave her consent before he kissed her at a court hearing.
He also added that the kiss was a mere act of affection towards Hermoso and it was spontaneous.
However, Hermoso in her testimony denied his claim.
“My boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”
“A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so,” she said at the time.”
A Spanish High Court upon hearing the case has slammed a fine of €10,000 on Rubiales while the allegation of coersion leveled on him and three of his colleagues – Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning side, Rubén Rivera, the Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF)’s former head of marketing, and Albert Luque, former sporting director was stuck out.
The incident happened live on television and was witnessed by fans in the stadium after Spain won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
