Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales recently found himself in the hot seat as he denied receiving any illegal payments in relation to the deal that took the Spanish Supercopa to Saudi Arabia. This revelation came during a four-hour long court appearance where Rubiales faced questioning regarding alleged corruption, money laundering, and dishonest administration during his time as president from 2018 to 2023.
Rubiales’ troubles did not end there. Following his resignation from the RFEF president position in September last year, he faced criticism for an incident involving a kiss with player Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory. This led to a criminal inquiry and prosecutors seeking a hefty 2 1/2 year jail term for Rubiales. Additionally, his recent arrest in connection with a corruption inquiry has brought even more scrutiny to his tenure at the federation.
Despite the mounting legal troubles, Rubiales maintained his innocence during the court appearance. He asserted that there were no irregular payments or tenders during his time at the federation and highlighted the financial and sporting success achieved under his leadership. Rubiales emphasized that the agreements, including the controversial Spanish Supercopa deal, were thoroughly reviewed and approved by the federation’s compliance and ethics committees.
Although Rubiales was allowed to keep his passport, the judge imposed restrictions on his travel outside Spain. He is required to seek permission if he wishes to leave the country and must report to the court on a monthly basis. These conditions signify the seriousness of the allegations against him and the need for ongoing oversight in the legal proceedings.
Following Rubiales’ departure, Pedro Rocha, his successor at the RFEF, was elected unopposed as president. However, Rocha also found himself embroiled in the corruption inquiry after giving evidence as a witness earlier in the month. This continuation of legal troubles within the federation raises questions about the governance and practices during Rubiales’ tenure, as well as the impact on the future of Spanish football.
The case of former RFEF president Luis Rubiales is a complex one, involving allegations of corruption, money laundering, and dishonest administration. As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on Rubiales and his alleged involvement in illicit activities during his time at the federation. The repercussions of these accusations are significant not only for Rubiales personally but also for the broader landscape of Spanish football and the integrity of its governance structures.
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