Disgraced Former Spanish Soccer Head Luis Rubiales Faces New Legal Troubles
Luis Rubiales, the former head of Spanish soccer who was forced out after a scandal involving kissing a female player against her will, is now facing new legal troubles. The Spanish police have been given permission to arrest him as part of a wide-ranging investigation into accusations of corruption and money laundering.
Investigators from the Spanish civil guard conducted raids on Tuesday, including searches at the headquarters of the Spanish soccer federation and at a home owned by Mr. Rubiales. The public prosecutor’s office in Madrid stated that the investigation is looking into alleged criminal acts associated with corruption in business, unfair administration, and money laundering.
While seven people were arrested on Tuesday, Mr. Rubiales was not among them as he was in the Dominican Republic. However, he is expected to return to Spain on April 6, and the civil guard has been authorized to arrest him upon his arrival if necessary.
The investigation involves contracts related to the federation’s sale of rights to the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, a deal brokered by Gerard Piqué. Mr. Rubiales is also under investigation for hiring detectives to spy on the head of Spain’s players’ union, misusing federation funds for personal expenses, and hosting a sex party paid for with federation funds.
Mr. Rubiales, once a powerful figure in world soccer, saw his career collapse after the scandal involving the unwanted kiss on the Spain midfielder Jennifer Hermoso. He eventually resigned from his position as the head of Spain’s federation and was later banned from the sport for three years by FIFA.
The police operation is the latest development in Mr. Rubiales’s fall from grace, with his influence in soccer extending beyond Spain’s borders. The investigation also involves leaked messages between Mr. Rubiales and Gerard Piqué, which raised questions about commissions paid in the Saudi Super Cup deal.
As the investigation unfolds, the spotlight remains on Mr. Rubiales and the alleged corruption within Spanish soccer. The case continues to unravel, shedding light on the darker side of the sport and the individuals involved.
