Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí says Luis Rubiales’ conviction for sexual assault sets a precedent moving forward and hopes it will lead to changes for women in and out of football.
Bonmatí was speaking ahead of Spain’s UEFA Nations League game against England at Wembley on Wednesday, which is a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final that La Roja won 1-0.
Last week, the former Spanish football federation president Rubiales was found guilty of forcibly kissing Bonmatí’s teammate Jenni Hermoso in the medal ceremony after that match in Sydney.
Spain’s High Court set a fine of over €10,000 ($10,434.00) for the crime, but Rubiales will avoid serving any time in prison and he was acquitted of a count of coercion.
“The sentence is correct and it sets a precedent for these situations,” two-time Ballon d’Or winner Bonmatí said in a news conference on Tuesday.
“We’re happy because as well as doing things well on the pitch, we have supported our teammate and fought hard and it has not been in vain.
“I hope that this case makes changes in our country, in our football, to respect us better as footballers. But it’s also a global case. I don’t only want to speak about footballers.
“This…
