Former president of Spain’s soccer federation, Luis Rubiales, was arrested and released by Spanish police as part of a corruption probe, stemming from his time overseeing business deals and the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. Rubiales was returning from the Dominican Republic when the police questioned him at Madrid’s airport. He had initially told the court that he would be returning later, but cut his stay abroad short by three days. The investigation is focusing on contracts related to the Super Cup and the federation’s connections with Seville’s La Cartuja Stadium, among other deals.
Rubiales, who stepped down after a scandal involving an alleged sexual assault on a player, oversaw changes to the format of the Spanish Super Cup in 2020, moving the competition to Saudi Arabia in a highly lucrative deal. An investigation was opened into the deal in 2022 after leaked audio suggested improper financial practices between Rubiales and then-Barcelona player Gerard Piqué. Rubiales denied any wrongdoing in response to claims made by the media, stating that the money in his bank account was earned through his own work and savings.
Despite the controversy surrounding Rubiales and his tenure as president, he was able to boost revenue for the federation and secure a joint bid for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco to co-host the 2030 men’s World Cup. His decision to take the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia was met with criticism from human rights groups due to Saudi Arabia’s track record of mistreatment of women and minorities. Rubiales was previously seen as untouchable, but his actions at the Women’s World Cup, which led to a player boycott and his eventual resignation, brought his leadership to an end.
Following Rubiales’s arrest, Pedro Rocha, his successor and interim federation president, called for elections on May 6 to choose new leadership. The federation indicated that they would cooperate with the judicial investigation to move past the turbulent period that has tarnished the image of Spanish soccer. Spain’s Justice Minister expressed confidence in the country’s democratic and judicial institutions, stating that the operation showed their ability to handle international events like the World Cup. The federation oversees the country’s men’s and women’s national teams, the Copa del Rey, and amateur soccer leagues, with some government oversight but limited authority to appoint or dismiss executives.
