What was supposed to be the happiest moment in Jenni Hermosos’ football career, winning the World Cup, quickly turned sour as Luis Rubiales gave Hermoso an unwanted kiss during the awards ceremony.

Luis Rubiales, former president of the Spanish Football Federation, was formally banned by FIFA from all further football related activities for three years following a non-consensual kiss between him and Spanish football player Jenni Hermoso.

The Federation Internationale de Football Association, better known as FIFA, is the world’s biggest football organization. Founded in 1904 by several nations, it serves as a “governing body” of soccer. In other words, if something happens in soccer, FIFA will sort out the soccer aspect of the issue. In this case, what Rubiales did is not something only FIFA could prosecute, as it is a criminal misdemeanor, and needed to be taken to court.

Huge backlash and criticism of the action was given to Rubiales, who adamantly claimed the kiss was mutual. However, Hermoso publicly responded claiming the kiss was in fact, nonconsensual. This was taken a step further in court as both sides stood their ground, yet in the end the prosecution (Hermoso) was able to prove Rubiales guilty.

 Despite the overwhelming majority of players and fans alike condemning Rubiales’ actions, including the entire Spanish women’s national team, who refused to play another match until he resigned, Rubiales would not resign. This prompted FIFA to suspend him for 90 days.

“This case relates to the events that occurred during the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup on 20 August 2023, for which Mr Rubiales had been provisionally suspended for an initial period of 90 days.” FIFA released in a statement. In addition to this, the 90-day ban was put into place to give FIFA time to review and investigate the case.

Three weeks after the event, Rubiales would resign. However, the criminal case against him would continue, ending in a judge ordering a restraining order against Rubiales, stating he may not contact Hermoso in any way. 

This incident was not a one off thing for Rubiales, as he, as cited by FIFA during their investigation against him, had gotten backlash prior for making an inappropriate gesture while celebrating in front of the Queen Letizia of Spain and her 16-year-old daughter, Princess Sofia. Another incident cited in the FIFA case against him was when he was seen “carrying Spanish player Athenea del Castillo over his shoulder during post-match celebrations.”

Not only was the incident very hard for everyone involved, but it overshadowed the monumental victory for the Spanish women’s national team. This victory has been the first time the team has won the Women’s World Cup, and the second time Spain has won a World Cup. This is a huge accomplishment for any national team, as the World Cup is seen as the most esteemed award a team could win. 

The Spaniard’s victory in Sydney, Australia against England was a much deserved, and possibly unforeseen triumph as many expected the U.S women’s national team to win the title for the third consecutive time. Even with all the controversy, Hermoso was able to return to the Spanish national team and won her first game back with a winning goal against Italy.