Madrid, Feb. 20 (Reuters) - Spain's High Court has declared former soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for kissing player Jenni Hermoso without her consent. He was fined over 10,000 euros ($10,434) in a case that sparked public uproar.
The court acquitted Rubiales of coercion, as stated in a ruling viewed by Reuters on Thursday. Rubiales intends to appeal, stating, "I am going to keep fighting."
Prosecutors had requested a prison term for Rubiales, 47, concerning the incident that ignited a national dialogue on sexism in women's football and broader Spanish society, fueling a movement in the country.
The court also cleared Rubiales' three co-defendants of attempting to pressure Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual at the 2023 World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney. The scandal overshadowed Spain's tournament victory.
Judge Jose Manuel Fernandez-Prieto found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault, emphasizing that the act lacked violence or intimidation. Thus, Rubiales was spared prison time, with a fine imposed instead.
The court's ruling prohibited Rubiales from approaching Hermoso within a 200-meter radius for one year and communicating with her. He was ordered to pay Hermoso 3,000 euros as compensation.
Throughout the trial, Hermoso described the uninvited kiss as tarnishing a joyful moment, leaving her distraught and drained in the aftermath. The verdict, seen as a victory for women's rights in a society still grappling with entrenched macho attitudes, was endorsed by government officials and feminist leaders.
The ruling can be contested, and Hermoso's lawyer indicated it was her choice to pursue further legal action. The Association of Spanish Footballers welcomed the ruling as a significant advancement in safeguarding women's rights and promoting a sports environment free from abuse and inequality.
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