Ex-Spanish federation head fined for kissing soccer player

Ex-head of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) Luis Rubiales was sentenced to a fine of € 10.8 thousand for kissing soccer player Jennifer Hermoso without her consent. This was reported by Tribuna Valladolid on February 20.

The incident with Rubiales and Hermoso occurred in August 2023 in Australia during the awarding of winners of the Women's World Cup. The former head of the Spanish soccer federation kissed Hermoso, who became the top scorer in the history of the Spanish national team, on the lips.

"The kiss was a disgraceful act of Rubiales amid the euphoria and unprecedented success in women's soccer, which should be punished with a fine," said the judge.

As specified in the material, Rubiales was charged with harassment and suspended. In addition, he is forbidden to approach the footballer closer than 200 meters. Despite the verdict, Rubiales avoided jail time.

On January 24, it was reported that then-U.S. Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth paid $50,000 to the plaintiff to reach a pre-trial settlement in a sexual harassment case. Hegseth said he reached a settlement with the prosecution, which included a confidentiality clause to prevent it from trying to smear his career as a Fox News host with the allegations.