Luis Rubiales verdict is a huge step forward – but leaves a bitter aftertaste
GuardianFEB 18
Prosecutor Requests New Trial for Convicted Former Spanish Soccer Boss
Above: Former head of the Spanish football federation Luis Rubiales and his lawyer Olga Tubau leave the court of San Fernando de Henares, east of Madrid, on Feb. 14, 2025, on the last day of his trial for sexual assault. Image copyright: Javier Soriano/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Rubiales could never escape accountability for forcibly kissing Jenni Hermoso in front of the entire world. However, those fighting against gender and sexual violence actually had a bittersweet victory, as his punishment was too light for the damage he caused. It's only natural that the prosecution are seeking a retrial.
Narrative B
The witch hunt against Luis Rubiales continues even after Spain's justice system sentenced him. It's unacceptable that prosecutors are wasting public resources to try to put him behind bars for an incident that Hermoso and her teammates laughed and joked about just minutes after it took place.