The Madrid High Court has made its ruling against Rubiales, stemming from a controversial incident that occurred during the celebration of Spain’s victory over England in the 2023 World Cup. Rubiales was acquitted of coercion charges related to attempts to influence Hermoso into claiming the kiss was consensual.

The incident, televised and witnessed by countless fans, involved Rubiales grabbing Hermoso by the head and kissing her on the lips as Spanish players celebrated their historic win. This act sparked widespread protests and demands for Rubiales’s resignation, which he ultimately provided in September 2023 after facing immense pressure and FIFA's suspension.

In addition to the fine, the court has banned Rubiales from getting within 200 meters of Hermoso or communicating with her for a year, emphasizing the severity of his actions. During the trial, Rubiales defended his actions as "spontaneous" and claimed to have received Hermoso's consent, assertions that were categorically denied by Hermoso who described the kiss as marring one of her happiest moments.

Acquitted from the coercion charges were Rubiales' three former associates, including Jorge Vilda, who had also been implicated. The fallout from the incident has contributed significantly to an emerging movement against sexism in Spanish women's football, where players have mobilized for equality within the sport's structure.

The case underscores the increasing acknowledgment and repercussions of sexual misconduct in sports, echoing global movements advocating for women's rights and safety.