\n<\/p>\n
The phrase ‘se acaba’ – ‘it’s over’ – became the rallying call in Spain in the hours and days after the incident.<\/p>\n
The Spanish government, Fifa, the United Nations and countless players and clubs condemned Rubiales’ behaviour.<\/p>\n
Eighty one Spain players – including all 23 World Cup winners – said they would not play for the team again while Rubiales remained in charge, while most of Vilda’s coaching staff resigned in protest against the president.<\/p>\n
Rubiales initially claimed he was the victim of a “social assassination” and vowed not to resign. He ultimately stepped down nearly three weeks after the incident.<\/p>\n
The kiss had become a landmark moment in Spanish history well before Rubiales’ trial began on 3 February.<\/p>\n
“The trial was broadcast on YouTube. The verdict is something that everyone is waiting for,” David Menayo Ramos, a journalist at Marca, told BBC Sport before the verdict was announced.<\/p>\n
“Society is polarised and the trial is a reflection of that.”<\/p>\n
“This whole controversy went beyond football and beyond sport,” added BBC News journalist Guy Hedgecoe.<\/p>\n
“In a way, it was Spain’s ‘me too’ movement, causing people to look at a relationship between women and men in the workplace.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n