It’s finally over,’ says Hermoso after Rubiales found guilty.
Spain international Jenni Hermoso declared on Saturday that the ordeal triggered by the forced kiss from disgraced former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales is finally “over.”
On Thursday, a judge at Spain’s High Court found Rubiales guilty of sexual assault over the kiss, sentencing him to a €10,800 ($11,300) fine but sparing him prison time.
“This will set an important precedent in a society where much work remains to be done,” Hermoso wrote in a social media post.
“My heart is full of gratitude for those who have stood by me, are with me now, and will continue to support this fight.
“And now, yes, it’s over.”
The phrase “it’s over” became a rallying cry for Hermoso and her teammates in their pursuit of justice after the incident, which took place following Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup in September 2023.
Rubiales initially resisted calls to resign but eventually stepped down amid intense global scrutiny.
On Friday, Hermoso’s lawyer, Angel Chavarria, told AFP they intend to appeal the ruling. Prosecutors had originally sought a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales.
Rubiales was acquitted of coercion, which stemmed from allegations that he pressured Hermoso to publicly state the kiss was consensual.
Following the verdict, the 47-year-old confirmed his plans to appeal.
