Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales recently appeared in court to deny receiving any illegal payments in relation to the deal which saw the Spanish Supercopa being held in Saudi Arabia. This comes as part of a larger investigation into alleged corruption, money laundering, and dishonest administration during his time as president. Rubiales staunchly refuted the accusations, stating that there were never any irregular payments or tenders under his leadership.
Rubiales resigned from his position as RFEF president amidst criticism following a controversial incident involving player Jenni Hermoso. The scandal led to a criminal inquiry, with prosecutors seeking a 2 1/2 year jail term for Rubiales. Despite his resignation, the legal battles have continued, with the former president recently being named a suspect in a corruption inquiry upon his return to Spain.
During his court appearance, Rubiales maintained his innocence and expressed willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigations. He emphasized the importance of clearing his name and defended his record of excellence and legality during his tenure at the federation. The judge ruled that Rubiales could retain his passport but would need permission to travel abroad, and he must report to the court monthly.
Rubiales defended the decision to take the Spanish Supercopa to Saudi Arabia, stating that it was a necessary move to help Spanish football weather the financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also refuted claims of paying commissions to former player Gerard Piqué and his company, Kosmos, as part of the agreement. Additionally, he justified awarding the contract for improvements at La Cartuja Stadium without a public tender process.
Following Rubiales’ resignation, Pedro Rocha was elected unopposed as the new RFEF president. However, Rocha, too, has been named a suspect in the ongoing corruption inquiry, signaling continued legal troubles for the federation. The allegations against both Rubiales and Rocha have cast a shadow over the leadership of the Spanish Football Federation.
The recent allegations and legal proceedings involving former RFEF president Luis Rubiales raise questions about accountability and transparency in football governance. While Rubiales has denied any wrongdoing, the ongoing investigations and criminal inquiries suggest a deeper issue of corruption within the federation. As the legal battles unfold, it remains to be seen how the Spanish Football Federation will address these challenges and uphold the integrity of the sport.