Corruption Investigation Rocks Spanish Football
Spain's football federation (RFEF) has come under scrutiny following the arrest of several executives as part of a corruption investigation. The federation has fired two executives, and the police have raided both the RFEF headquarters and the home of former president Luis Rubiales.
The investigation centers on allegations of corruption, fraudulent administration, and money laundering in relation to the signing of contracts to take the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. The contracts, worth 40 million euros a year, were signed by Rubiales and former Barcelona defender Gerard Pique's company, Kosmos.
Rubiales' Involvement and FIFA Ban
Rubiales, who resigned as RFEF president in September 2022 after forcibly kissing Women's World Cup star Jenni Hermoso, is currently outside Spain, reportedly in the Dominican Republic. He faces trial for the incident, which prompted FIFA to impose a three-year ban on him from football-related activities.
Spanish Football's Reputation Tarnished
The ongoing investigation has caused significant damage to the reputation of Spanish football, according to the RFEF. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente expressed sadness over the negative image being portrayed and emphasized the team's responsibility to repair it.
Justice Takes Its Course
Manchester City midfielder Rodri, a member of the Spanish national team, acknowledged the challenges posed by the situation but expressed confidence in the justice system. He stated that the focus should remain on football and that any investigations and arrests should not overshadow the sport.
RFEF's Commitment to Transparency
In a statement released after the police raid, the RFEF declared its support for the investigation and its commitment to transparency. The federation stated that it believes in a thorough and exhaustive investigation to ensure that all aspects of the case are fully explored.
Audio Recordings Implicate Rubiales and Pique
Spanish prosecutors initiated a probe into the Super Cup deal in 2022 after audio recordings between Rubiales and Pique were leaked. The recordings allegedly contain discussions of multi-million euro commissions, which Rubiales has denied.
Pique Defends Involvement
In April 2022, Pique stated that "everything is legal" and that he was "proud" of the deal. The Super Cup was first held in Saudi Arabia in 2020 and has been played there three times since, despite returning to Spain for one edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
International Attention and Potential Consequences
The investigation into Spanish football corruption has attracted international attention, with many media outlets reporting on the developments. The outcome of the investigation could have significant consequences for the RFEF, Rubiales, and other individuals involved in the alleged corruption.
