Spain’s Ex-Football Chief Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting Player Over World Cup Kiss

Luis Rubiales was at the center of a worldwide scandal for kissing Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s victory at the Women’s World Cup in 2023.

Spain's Jenni Hermoso celebrates with the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, after the final match of Spain versus England in the FIFA Women's World Cup in Stadium Australia in Sydney on Aug. 20, 2023. Hannah Mckay/Reuters

Spanish soccer’s former chief Luis Rubiales was found guilty on Feb. 20 of sexually assaulting a player after kissing her on the lips following Spain’s victory in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.

The ex-president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) dodged a custodial sentence but was handed a fine of more than 10,000 euros (about $10,500) in Spain’s National Court.