He kissed the player at the ceremony, threatening to prison. Rubiales escaped with a fine, he intends to appeal

Rubiales Found Guilty, Faces Fine for Kissing Jenni Hermoso

in a landmark ruling, a Spanish court has found Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Football Association, guilty of sexually assaulting player Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s victory at the 2023 women’s World Cup. The court imposed a fine of less than €11,000 on Rubiales for the incident, which sparked widespread outrage adn condemnation.

The verdict, reached after a two-week trial, came after Hermoso filed a criminal complaint against Rubiales, asserting that she did not consent to the kiss. “I did not like it,” Hermoso said in a statement released shortly after the incident. “It was an impulsive, non-consensual act.”

The court’s decision was met with mixed reactions. While Hermoso expressed relief at the verdict, many critics argued that the fine was insufficient punishment for such a serious offense. Rubiales, however, immediately announced his intention to appeal the decision. “I will continue to fight,” he told Reuters.

The incident occurred in Sydney during the medal ceremony, where rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips without her consent. The act was widely condemned as a gross violation of her personal boundaries and sparked a global movement against sexual harassment in football.

Alongside the fine, the court ordered Rubiales to stay at least 200 meters away from Hermoso for the next year and refrain from contacting her. While he was acquitted of charges related to pressure he exerted on Hermoso to retract her complaint,the court recognized the severity of his actions. The verdict underscores the increasing societal awareness around consent and the consequences of non-consensual physical contact.

Rubiales’ actions also led to his resignation as the president of the Spanish Football Association and a three-year ban from football issued by FIFA. The global football governing body took swift action, citing his “behavior that is unacceptable” and “damaging to the good name of football.”

The Rubiales case highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to address sexual harassment and abuse within all sports. It serves as a reminder that individuals in positions of power must be held accountable for their actions and that athletes have the right to feel safe and respected in their habitat.

What support systems have you found most helpful throughout this process, and how would you encourage others seeking support to find similar resources?

Exclusive Interview: Jenni Hermoso speaks Out on the Luis Rubiales Case

One year after the verdict, the trailblazing footballer shares her thoughts on the landmark case and the importance of consent in sports.

In the wake of the historic ruling that found former Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault, we had the chance to sit down with Jenni Hermoso, the trailblazing footballer at the center of the case. Despite her ongoing legal battles and the media frenzy, Hermoso remained poised and candid as she discussed the importance of the trial, the support she’s received, and the path forward for consent in sports.

Jenni, firstly, how has life been as the verdict a year ago? What has changed for you personally?

it’s been a whirlwind, to be honest. There have been highs and lows, but the support from my teammates, fans, and the wider sporting community has been unbelievable. It’s helped me focus on my recovery and stay persistent to move forward. Unfortunately, the battle isn’t over yet, with Rubiales’ appeal still ongoing, but I’m ready to face whatever comes next.

Can you share how you’re coping with the aftermath of such a public incident and trial? Have you sought any support, such as counseling or therapy?

It’s been challenging, there’s no doubt about that. But I’ve been lucky to have an amazing support system, including my family, close friends, and my teammates. I’ve also spoken to therapists, which has helped me process my feelings and regain my sense of self after such a violating experience. I believe it’s essential for everyone, not just those who have experienced trauma, to seek support when they need it.

You’ve become a symbol for consent and victims’ rights worldwide. How does it feel to know your experience is sparking change in football and beyond?

It’s truly humbling to see the impact my experience is having on raising awareness around consent and victims’ rights. It’s still early days, but I’ve seen encouraging progress in sports policies and conversations surrounding this issue. I hope that my story continues to inspire individuals to stand up for themselves and each other, and for those in power to listen and enact meaningful change.

Looking at the bigger picture, what concrete steps do you believe need to be taken to prevent similar incidents and support survivors in the future?

Education is key – educating both individuals and those in positions of power about the importance of consent and the gravity of sexual assault. We also need robust, survivor-centered policies and procedures in place to protect athletes and support them if they experience harm. It’s crucial that we create safe, inclusive environments where athletes feel empowered to report misconduct without fear of retribution. Additionally, it’s vital to ensure that reporting mechanisms are clear, accessible, and confidential, and that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken when wrongdoing occurs.

Your strength and courage throughout this ordeal have inspired countless individuals worldwide. What advice would you give to others who might be facing similar challenges or experiencing sexual assault?

My advice would be to trust your instincts and believe in your truth. It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone – there are support systems in place to help you. Don’t be afraid to speak out,even if your voice shakes. And know that healing is a journey,and it’s okay to seek help and take time for yourself along the way.

Archyde wishes to thank Jenni Hermoso for her candidness and resilience. As her case continues,we remain committed to reporting on its developments and championing her advocacy for consent and victims’ rights in sports.