The long and painful chapter that began with an unwanted kiss on a World Cup podium has reached a pivotal conclusion. Spanish football star Jenni Hermoso has spoken out following the court verdict against former Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales, declaring the ordeal “over” and highlighting its potential to set a crucial precedent. For fans following this landmark case on Crickex, Hermoso’s words mark not just a personal victory, but a potential turning point for accountability in sports.
The recent trial found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for the non-consensual kiss he planted on Hermoso during the medal ceremony after Spain’s historic Women’s World Cup win in Sydney. While acquitted of a coercion charge, he faces an 18-month fine and a restraining order. In a powerful Instagram post, Hermoso reflected on the journey, stating, “After all, this will create an important precedent in a social environment in which much remains to be done.” Her message, filled with gratitude for her supporters, ended with the resonant phrase: “And now, it’s over.”
Former Spain FA Luis Rubiales, pictured outside the court where he is on trial for sexual assault and coercion against Jennifer Hermoso
The Verdict and Its Immediate Aftermath
The Audiencia Nacional court’s ruling delivered a mixed outcome but a clear message on the core issue. Luis Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault for his actions on August 20, 2023. The sentence includes a daily fine and, critically, a one-year order prohibiting him from approaching or communicating with Jenni Hermoso. This legal recognition of the violation was the result of Hermoso’s courageous decision to file a formal complaint, a move that shifted the incident from a media scandal to a judicial matter.
Simultaneously, the sporting world has upheld its own sanctions. Just a day after the criminal verdict, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed Rubiales’ appeal against his three-year ban from all football-related activities. CAS upheld FIFA’s original sanction, deeming it “reasonable and proportional” for breaching its disciplinary code. This dual condemnation from both criminal and sporting judiciary bodies underscores the severity with which his conduct is viewed. As one legal analyst noted on Crickex, “The convergence of legal and sporting penalties sends an unambiguous signal about the standards of behavior expected from those in leadership.”
A Timeline of Scandal, Solidarity, and Systemic Change
The path from Sydney’s Stadium Australia to the Spanish courtrooms was neither short nor straightforward. It was a journey marked by denial, defiance, and ultimately, a powerful wave of solidarity that forced a reckoning.
The Kiss and the Initial Fallout
Following Spain’s World Cup victory, the celebratory medal ceremony was marred when RFEF President Luis Rubiales grabbed Jenni Hermoso and kissed her on the lips without her consent. Initial attempts by the federation to downplay the incident, including a statement falsely attributed to Hermoso, only fueled the fire. Hermoso’s subsequent public denial and description of feeling “vulnerable and the victim of an aggression” ignited global outrage.
The “I Believe You” Movement and Institutional Collapse
What followed was unprecedented in women’s football. Spain’s entire World Cup-winning squad, supported by dozens of other players, declared they would not play for the national team until there were significant changes in the federation’s leadership. This act of collective power, known as the “Se Acabó” (It’s Over) movement, became a watershed. Coaching staff resigned en masse, and public pressure mounted exponentially. Despite a bizarrely defiant press conference from Rubiales, his position became untenable, leading to his eventual resignation in September 2023.
rubiales guilty explained
The Legal Battle and Sporting Sanctions
Hermoso‘s formal complaint set the wheels of justice in motion. FIFA swiftly suspended Rubiales, and a Spanish judge opened an investigation. Over the following months, the sporting ban was confirmed, and prosecutors built a case for trial. The trial itself, which concluded recently, became a focal point for discussions about consent, power dynamics, and abuse in sport. The not-guilty verdicts for coercion for former coach Jorge Vilda and other officials, while disappointing to some, did not detract from the central guilty finding against Rubiales.
The Lasting Impact and Hermoso’s Legacy
Jenni Hermoso’s statement about creating an “important precedent” is precisely the lens through which this case must now be viewed. This was never just about one kiss; it was about challenging a deeply entrenched culture where those in power could act with impunity. Her bravery in standing firm, despite immense pressure, has rewritten the rulebook.
Experts in sports governance suggest this case will have a chilling effect on abusive behavior at all levels of sport. “What Hermoso and her teammates achieved is a masterclass in collective action,” a sports sociologist commented in an analysis featured on Crickex. “They demonstrated that player power, when unified, can topple even the most entrenched figures and force institutions to listen.” The precedent is clear: non-consensual physical contact is a serious violation, and victims will be believed and supported.
# And Now, It’s Over
Jenni Hermoso’s final words in her post are a declaration of closure and a beacon of hope. The “important precedent” she references is already taking shape. It’s seen in the stronger protocols being adopted by sports bodies, in the louder voices of athletes demanding respect, and in the knowledge that no one is above accountability. For fans and followers on Crickex, this story transcends a single news cycle. It is a defining moment in the fight for equality and dignity in sports. Hermoso’s legacy will be measured not just in goals and trophies, but in the safer, more respectful environment her courage has helped forge for generations of athletes to come.
What are your thoughts on this landmark verdict and its implications for the future of sports? Share your perspectives in the comments below and join the conversation on Crickex.
