• Former Spanish football federation head Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of sexual assault against player Jenni Hermoso, stemming from a non-consensual kiss during the 2023 Women's World Cup awards ceremony.
• Rubiales has been fined €10,800 (approximately $11,300) and barred from approaching Hermoso or communicating with her for one year.
• The case has sparked widespread protests, discussions on sexism in sports, and calls for significant cultural changes within the football community.

In a landmark ruling, the Spanish High Court has convicted Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), of sexual assault for kissing footballer Jenni Hermoso without her consent during the medal ceremony following Spain's victory at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The court imposed a fine of €10,800 (approximately $11,300) and prohibited Rubiales from coming within 200 meters of Hermoso or communicating with her for one year. The verdict concluded weeks of legal proceedings triggered by the kiss, witnessed live by millions around the world and perceived as a clear instance of transgressing personal boundaries.

Prosecutors had originally sought a prison term for Rubiales, arguing that his actions and subsequent coercion attempts warranted incarceration. However, he was acquitted of coercion charges, leading to frustration among advocates for reform in sports culture. Hermoso, who testified that the unsolicited kiss "stained one of the happiest days of my life", has expressed intentions to appeal the ruling, seeking further accountability for the incident.

The fallout from Rubiales' actions has extended beyond the court, igniting a national discourse on sexism and consent in sports. High-profile figures, including England women's football manager Sarina Wiegman, have called for systemic changes within the women's game, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue on these pressing issues. Wiegman stated, "That we have to talk about this again is good... but more change needs to be made."

Despite Rubiales’ defense claiming the kiss was consensual, the Spanish Justice Minister hailed the court's ruling as a declaration that "a non-consensual kiss is sexual assault, period." The sports community and beyond are now left to contemplate the implications of this case, as both Rubiales and Hermoso prepare to appeal various elements of the ruling.

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