Despite consistently claiming the kiss was consensual, Rubiales was fined €10,800 (£8,942) and prohibited from coming within 200 meters of Hermoso or communicating with her for a year. However, he was acquitted of coercion, which related to allegations that he pressured Hermoso into publicly stating the kiss was consensual.
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague noted the significance of the verdict, emphasizing that such a ruling would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. He credited Hermoso and her teammates for their resilience, despite having their greatest sporting moment overshadowed.
The incident was the climax of long-standing turmoil within Spanish women's football. Jorge Vilda, Spain's World Cup-winning coach, had been only the second manager of the national team since 1988. His predecessor, Ignacio Quereda, remained in charge for nearly 27 years before being dismissed in 2015 after widespread player dissatisfaction.
In 2022, 15 Spanish players, later known as 'Las 15,' demanded improved conditions and expressed concerns about their emotional well-being. Although they did not explicitly request Vilda's removal, only three of them were included in the squad that triumphed at the World Cup. Spain's historic victory was soon overshadowed by Rubiales' actions, which triggered nationwide protests and international condemnation. The phrase 'se acabó' ('it's over') became the rallying cry of a movement that extended beyond football, likened to Spain's own 'Me Too' moment.
The backlash was swift. FIFA, the United Nations, and numerous clubs and players denounced Rubiales, while 81 Spanish players, including all 23 World Cup winners, refused to play under his leadership. Although he initially resisted calls to step down, he eventually resigned three weeks later.
Rubiales' trial, broadcast on YouTube, captured public attention, reflecting the case's societal impact. England and Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze commended Hermoso and her teammates for their courage, highlighting the personal and professional challenges they faced.
Despite the guilty verdict, many expressed mixed feelings about the ruling. Spain captain Irene Paredes voiced her concerns over the court's decision to acquit Rubiales of coercion, a sentiment echoed within the national team. Rubiales has announced his intention to appeal, maintaining his innocence while acknowledging that his actions during the ceremony were inappropriate.
The prosecution had sought a custodial sentence of two and a half years, but Rubiales ultimately avoided prison. BBC journalist Guy Hedgecoe remarked that, while Rubiales admitted to overstepping boundaries, he continued to deny committing any crime. The case has marked a pivotal moment in the fight for justice and respect in women's football.
