The recent events surrounding former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales have sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Rubiales has been under investigation as part of a corruption probe related to the deal to move the Spanish Supercopa to Saudi Arabia. This scandal has raised questions about the integrity of the sport and the individuals involved in its governance.
Rubiales’ decision to broker a deal to move the Supercopa to Saudi Arabia in 2019 has come under intense scrutiny. The initial three-year agreement, worth a reported €120 million, raised eyebrows among Spanish football traditionalists. The decision to expand the competition format, shifting the event from August to January, and hosting it outside Spain was met with criticism. Rubiales’ involvement in this controversial move has led to allegations of improper management and possible conflicts of interest.
Former Barcelona defender Gerard Piqué’s company Kosmos played a key role in brokering the deal to move the Supercopa to Saudi Arabia. Piqué’s active involvement in the negotiations raised concerns about a conflict of interest, given his status as a player at the time. Despite assurances from both Piqué and Rubiales that everything was above board, leaked audios detailing the commission involved have cast doubt on the legitimacy of the deal.
The recent events, including police raids on Rubiales’ property in Granada and the RFEF’s headquarters in Madrid, have brought the corruption probe to the forefront. Six people were arrested in the process, with four subsequently released. Rubiales, along with several other individuals, has been placed under investigation. While there is no warrant for his arrest at this time, the investigation into allegations of improper management and corruption continues to unfold.
The fallout from these events has been significant. Rubiales resigned as president of the RFEF last year following a separate incident involving an inappropriate kiss. FIFA has banned him from all football-related activity for three years, and a judge in Spain has recommended the case go to trial on charges of sexual assault and coercion. The ongoing corruption probe adds another layer of complexity to Rubiales’ legal troubles and tarnishes his reputation as a former football executive.
The corruption probe surrounding former RFEF president Luis Rubiales has exposed the dark underbelly of football governance. The allegations of improper management, conflicts of interest, and corruption have raised serious questions about the integrity of the sport. As the investigation continues to unfold, the footballing world watches closely to see how this scandal will impact the future of Spanish football and those involved.