Former president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, could receive a prison sentence of about two and a half years for kissing a national team player, Jennifer Hermoso. This development emerged from reporting in Marca and subsequent legal proceedings.
Prosecutors have requested a 2.5-year prison term for Rubiales. In addition, the case names former women’s team coach Jorge Wilde, the former RFEF marketing director Ruben Rivera, and the men’s team director Albert Luca, each facing 1.5 years in prison on charges of coercion. The charges, framed within the broader evaluation of improper pressure, relate to alleged coercive behavior connected to the incident.
The incident occurred at the award ceremony following the national team’s victory in the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain defeated England 1-0. Rubiales, visibly elated by the win, embraced Hermoso and kissed her on the lips, an act that drew widespread criticism from journalists and fans who described the act as inappropriate and controversial given the public setting.
The situation prompted action from global football authorities. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) opened a disciplinary case against Rubiales, signaling the seriousness with which the governing body viewed the event. On September 11, under significant public scrutiny and pressure, Rubiales stepped down from his post.
Earlier statements from members of the Spanish national team’s leadership reflected the emotional and physical impact of the incident. The captain at the time described the pain and distress experienced in the wake of the kiss, underscoring the personal toll that public actions can impose on players and staff alike.