Prosecutors in Spain have taken the bold step of demanding a retrial for former Spain football federation president Luis Rubiales. Prosecutors argue that the initial trial was flawed due to the exclusion of significant evidence. The initial trial concluded in February 2025 and resulted in Rubiales being found guilty of sexual misconduct for forcibly kissing national team player Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
The aftermath of the court's decision saw Rubiales facing a penalty of €10,800 and a protective order prohibiting him from getting within 650 feet of Hermoso or contacting her for one year. Notably, the prosecution initially sought a more stringent sentence of two-and-a-half years in prison. However, this was thwarted by what they claim to be inappropriate restrictions on evidence by the judge overseeing the case.
Rubiales has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the kiss was mutual and consensual. On the other hand, Hermoso has been vocal about how the incident marred her World Cup achievement, describing it as leaving her life 'on standby.' This high-profile case triggered considerable outrage across the sports community and beyond, polarizing opinions. Supporters of Rubiales went so far as to label critics 'idiots,' and his mother even initiated a hunger strike as a show of support.
Despite these polarizing views, Hermoso welcomed the guilty verdict and praised it as a pivotal moment for advancing women's rights, expressing hope that it sets a benchmark for addressing similar issues in the future. The saga took yet another turn when prosecutors alleged that the judge had disallowed crucial questions and evidence during the trial. As a result, they have now called for a retrial with a different judge at the helm.
