World Cup Kiss Conviction

Former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault yesterday for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent after the 2023 Women's World Cup final. Spain's High Court fined Rubiales $10,434 and ordered him to stay at least 200 meters from Hermoso and not communicate with her for a year. Rubiales and three codefendants were acquitted of a separate coercion charge for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to declare the kiss consensual.

The incident occurred during the medal ceremony following Spain's victory in Sydney. Hermoso, who plays in the Mexican soccer league and for Spain's national team, stated the kiss "tarnished" one of the happiest days of her life, while Rubiales claimed it was consensual. The Spanish penal code classifies a nonconsensual kiss as sexual assault. The scandal led to Rubiales' resignation and a three-year FIFA ban.

The case sparked a widespread debate about sexism in sports. A 2024 study found that 10.9% of US athletes have experienced unwanted sexual contact, with only 10.7% of those affected filing formal reports.