Spanish Football on Trial: Sexual Assault at the World Cup

During the medal presentation at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Luis Rubiales, then-president of the Spanish Football Federation, forcibly kissed Spanish player Jenni Hermoso on the lips. The act, which Hermoso did not consent to, led to widespread condemnation and calls for his resignation. Rubiales initially defended his actions, but eventually faced suspension by FIFA and later was found guilty of sexual assault. In this episode of ‘What Just Happened?”, hosts Kate Hartley and Tamara Littleton are joined by Emma Woollcott, a partner at Mishcon de Reya, to explore the fallout from the incident. They discuss power imbalance, Rubiales’ lack of remorse, and the cultural issues that enabled his behaviour, including previous allegations and inappropriate conduct. The episode discusses the importance of organisational culture, the need for leaders to accept feedback, and the role of internal communication in preventing misconduct. It also highlights why businesses must monitor culture to spot warning signs, and reflects on the broader impact of the scandal, including Hermoso’s bravery in pressing charges, the role of public backlash, and the Spanish women’s team’s solidarity. A full transcript of today’s show is available to read here.