On August 20, 2023, after securing their victory over England in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final the Spanish national team lined up to receive their medals, when the president of the Spanish Football Federation kissed a player without her consent. 

          While the offender, Luis Rubiales, claims that the action was completely mutual, the victim and team captain, Jennifer Hermoso, says otherwise.

          “I felt vulnerable and a victim of an impulse-driven, sexist, out-of-place act without any consent on my part,” confessed Hermoso.

          As a result, people all around the world have moved in support of the athlete. Protestors flooded the streets of Spain, several staff members of the Spanish Football Federation have stepped down, and social media posts with the phrase “Contigo, Jenni” (“With you, Jenni”) have popped in solidarity. Many of the staff and players of the Spanish women’s national team have even announced their refusal to play until the removal of Rubiales from the Federation, as well as other systemic changes were made to incorporate greater female representation within the federation. After initially refusing to relinquish his position, Rubiales officially resigned on September 10.

          However, many skeptics still remain. Several of Rubiales’ family members have rushed to his defense, claiming the calls for his removal from the Federation unjust, and that Hermoso was lying. Rubiales’ mother declared the controversy and suspension of her son an “inhuman and bloody hunt”. Then went on a hunger strike that caused her to be hospitalized.

          “I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power to make it prevail,” stated Rubiales in response to what he called “false feminism”. Despite his resignation, the former federation president continues to deny all allegations of sexual assault and harassment.

          However, it is not uncommon for employees to be taken advantage of by those in charge. Unbalanced power dynamics in the past have made it difficult for victims to speak out against their assaulters. Like in the many sexual misconduct charges against former president Donald Trump.

          As of now Jennifer Hermoso has submitted an official complaint against Rubiales. If convicted of sexual assault, he could receive a fine, or even a sentence of up to four years.