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Spain’s High Court Convicts Luis Rubiales of Sexual Assault

On Thursday, Spain’s High Court delivered a verdict against Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish soccer federation, finding him guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. The court imposed a fine exceeding 10,000 euros but acquitted him of the charges related to coercion.

This case has ignited significant discussions across Spain regarding sexism in women’s football and the broader societal implications of such behaviors. The accusations against Rubiales arose from an incident during the awards ceremony following the 2023 World Cup in Sydney, where he kissed Hermoso on the mouth without obtaining her consent.

The court’s ruling imposes additional restrictions on Rubiales, including a 200-meter exclusion zone around Hermoso, along with a one-year ban on any form of communication with her.

Alongside Rubiales, three other former officials of the soccer federation faced accusations of attempting to pressure Hermoso into publicly claiming that the kiss was consensual. This aspect of the case raised questions about the culture within sports organizations and their treatment of female athletes.

The incident and subsequent ruling have resonated widely, serving as a catalyst for ongoing conversations about gender equality, respect, and accountability in sports. While a lawyer representing Hermoso was not immediately available for comments following the ruling, the public’s attention remains focused on the broader implications of the case.

Source
www.cbc.ca