Former Spanish soccer boss Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of sexually assaulting player Jenni Hermoso after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, a kiss that sparked outrage in Spain. Rubiales was ordered to pay a fine and stay away from Hermoso for a year, but was acquitted of coercion charges. The incident led to Rubiales resigning from the Spanish soccer federation and a crisis in the women’s squad. Hermoso and her teammates refused to play under Rubiales’ leadership, prompting government intervention to support the women’s side. Rubiales initially denied wrongdoing but eventually resigned after FIFA suspended him. The incident has sparked debate about sexism in the sport, with Spain’s equality minister emphasizing the importance of respecting the victim’s words. The court also acquitted three other former federation members accused of coercion in relation to the incident. The verdict has reignited discussions about consent and respect in the world of sports, pointing to the need for proper protocols and support for women’s teams. Rubiales and Hermoso have not commented on the ruling, but it is expected that Rubiales will appeal the decision. The incident has cast a shadow over Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup victory and has highlighted the importance of addressing and preventing sexual assault in the world of soccer.
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