Rubiales faced trial after kissing Hermoso during the medal ceremony for the Spanish women's team following their victory over England in the 2023 World Cup. The court found him guilty of sexual assault but acquitted him of coercion for allegedly pressuring Hermoso to publicly support his claim that the kiss was consensual. The incident, widely broadcasted, prompted widespread protests and demands for Rubiales' resignation, fueling a growing movement against sexism in sports.

In addition to the fine, the court ordered Rubiales to stay 200 meters away from Hermoso and prohibited him from contacting her for one year. While Rubiales maintained that the kiss was consensual, Hermoso told the court it marred what should have been a joyful occasion, asserting that she had not given her permission. The fallout from this incident has energized a “Me Too” style campaign in Spanish women's football, advocating for equality and against discrimination.

Three of Rubiales' colleagues were acquitted of charges of collusion in coercion, allowing them to avoid similar scrutiny. The ruling marks a significant moment in Spain's ongoing conversation about the treatment of women in sports, as Rubiales ultimately resigned from his position in the wake of the controversy and following FIFA's suspension.