Luis Rubiales convicted of sexual assault for World Cup kiss

Former Spanish football federation boss Luis Rubiales has been convicted of sexual assault for kissing Jennifer Hermoso without her consent following the team's victory at the 2023 World Cup.

Hermoso had just collected her winner's medal, after Spain beat England 1-0 in the 2023 World Cup final, when the incident occurred.

Rubiales, who was cleared of coercion, has been told to pay a €10,800 (£8,942) fine.

Luis Rubiales banned from communicating with Jennifer Hermoso

Rubiales has also been ordered to not go within a 200-metre radius of Hermoso or communicate with her for a year.

Three of Rubiales' former colleagues at the Spanish federation Jorge Vilda, coach of the World Cup-winning side; Ruben Rivera, RFEF's former head of marketing and former sporting director, Albert Luque were all also cleared of coercion. Rubiales and his former colleagues were acquitted after allegedly pressuring Hermoso into saying publicly she had consented to the kiss.

Hermoso gave evidence earlier this month and said Rubiales' actions had "stained one of the happiest days of my life".

The incident led to calls for Rubiales' resignation, which came three weeks after the World Cup final.

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In October 2023 a FIFA Disciplinary Committee banned Rubiales from engaging in any football activities for three years.

At the trial this month Rubiales said he was "absolutely sure" he got consent from Hermoso and that it was "something completely spontaneous".

The World Cup win was the first in the Spanish women's team's history and came from an Olga Carmona goal.

Hermoso had a penalty saved by England goalkeeper Mary Earps in the final.

The team are the favourites to win this summer's European Championship and are the highest ranked team in the competition.