By 
26-02-2025
Érica Moreira
Women’s Rights Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
On February 21st, 2025, Jenni Hermoso announced her willingness to appeal the verdict against the former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales, who was fined €10,800 for forcibly kissing her at the 2023 Women’s World Cup (Le Monde with AFP, 2025a; Le Monde with AFP, 2025b).
The court ruled that Rubiales violated Hermoso’s “sexual freedom” by kissing her without her consent. It further declared that such an act was not a usual greeting between individuals without a sentimental relationship (Le Monde with AFP, 2025a). Additionally, Rubiales was banned from staying within a 200-metre radius of Hermoso and communicating with her for a year (Le Monde with AFP, 2025a). The ruling found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault but not of coercion for “allegedly trying to pressure Hermoso into making a public statement that the kiss was consensual” (Le Monde with AFP, 2025b). The court has not attributed a prison sentence to Rubiales, which has sparked debates and controversies globally. Women’s rights activists have asserted that this ruling devalues the severity of the case and non-consensual acts in professional settings.
Sources and further readings :
Barton, J., & Mosquera, P. (2025, February 20). Former Spanish soccer boss Luis Rubiales found guilty of kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/20/sport/spain-rubiales-guilty-hermoso-kiss-intl/index.html
Le Monde with AFP. (2025a, February 20). Spanish court fines ex-football chief €10,800 over non-consensual kiss. Le Monde. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/football/article/2025/02/20/spanish-court-fines-ex-football-chief-10-800-over-non-consensual-kiss_6738381_130.html
Le Monde with AFP. (2025b, February 21). Jenni Hermoso intends to appeal Rubiales ‘forced kiss’ verdict. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/europe/article/2025/02/21/jenni-hermoso-intends-to-appeal-rubiales-forced-kiss-verdict_6738421_143.html
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