Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), stands accused of sexual assault and attempting to coerce Jennifer Hermoso, a prominent Spanish footballer, into declaring that a kiss between them was consensual. The incident, which occurred during the 2023 Women’s World Cup celebrations, sparked outrage and brought to light issues of sexism and inequality in Spanish football.
The controversy surrounding Rubiales’ actions overshadowed the Spanish women’s team’s triumph in Australia and galvanized a “Me Too” movement within the sport. Rubiales, along with other RFEF officials, including former women’s national team coach Jorge Vilda, is alleged to have pressured Hermoso to downplay the incident. The prosecution seeks a 2-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales, although a sentence under two years could be commuted to damages if there are no prior convictions.
 |
| Protesters gathered in Madrid to show their support for Jennifer Hermoso and speak out against Luis Rubiales’ actions. The incident sparked a wider discussion about sexism and inequality in Spanish football. |
The kiss, which occurred during the medal presentation, was captured on camera and sparked immediate backlash. Hermoso’s initial reaction, as seen in locker room footage, was to express discomfort to her teammates. The situation escalated as prosecutors allege that Vilda approached Hermoso’s brother, Rafael, and threatened to impact his sister’s football career unless she recorded a statement supporting Rubiales’ claim of consent.
Rubiales’ response to the criticism was to label his critics as “idiots” before offering a half-hearted apology, characterizing the kiss as “without bad faith.” He positioned himself as a victim of a “false feminist” campaign, but for many, the incident highlighted the male dominance and power dynamics within the lucrative football industry.
As the scandal unfolded, public protests ensued, and key RFEF executives faced consequences. Hermoso’s teammates took a stand, refusing to play until Rubiales was removed from his position. This led to a series of suspensions and investigations, including one into corruption involving Rubiales and his right-hand man, Pedro Rocha.
 |
| Jennifer Hermoso and Luis Rubiales during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final. The incident occurred during the medal presentation, sparking widespread criticism and discussions about consent. |
Rubiales was ultimately forced to step down and was banned from all football-related activities for three years by FIFA. The trial, which will include testimony from Rubiales, Hermoso, and other key witnesses, is set to begin on February 12th, with the outcome highly anticipated by those advocating for change in Spanish football and beyond.
