Police Raid Luis Rubiales’ House As Part Of Corruption Investigation

Police searched the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) headquarters and_ the apartment of its former head, Luis Rubiales, on Wednesday as part of a corruption probe involving a multimillion-euro deal to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.

This scandal has shocked the world of Spanish football and_ raised serious questions about the integrity of the sport’s governing body.

According to a judicial source, a Spanish court has been investigating whether Rubiales committed a crime of improper management when the RFEF agreed to move the tournament to Saudi Arabia in a deal with Gerard Pique’s Kosmos firm.

The decision to relocate the Super Cup to Saudi Arabia was met with criticism from traditionalists in Spanish football, as it involved expanding the contest to a four-team format, shifting the event from August to January, and_ hosting it outside Spain (Saudi Arabia).

The RFEF’s agreement with the Saudi sports authority in 2019 was reportedly worth 120 million euros, causing concerns about corruption in business dealings, improper asset management, and money laundering. The investigation, led by Judge Delia Rodrigo Diaz, has led to a series of searches at various locations across Spain, with the expectation of several arrests.

Luis Rubiales House

As the investigation opens up, Rubiales’ legal troubles continue to mount. In addition to the corruption probe, he has also been accused of sexual assault and_ coercion following an incident involving player Jenni Hermoso during celebrations after Spain’s Women’s World Cup victory last year. Both Hermoso and_ Rubiales, along with colleagues, have provided testimony to the investigating judge, who has recommended that the case proceed to trial.

Rubiales’ tenure as the head of the RFEF has been marked by controversy, including the shocking decision to sack Spain manager Julen Lopetegui just two days before their opening match in the 2018 World Cup. These scandals have tarnished the reputation of Spanish soccer and_ raised serious concerns about the governance of the sport.

In response to the investigation, Rubiales maintained his innocence, stating, “I am calm because I have not done anything illegal.”

However, the ongoing probe and_ the recent searches at the RFEF headquarters and_ Rubiales’ apartment are raising questions about the future of Spanish football.