Last week, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) was rocked by a corruption probe that led to the arrests of seven people. As a result, FIFA and UEFA have jointly written a letter to the RFEF requesting a detailed update on the situation. The letter, addressed to Pedro Rocha, the president of the RFEF’s management committee, expresses concern and seeks more information about the allegations as well as who is being investigated.
In the letter, both FIFA and UEFA have asked the RFEF for more information on the nature of the allegations and the individuals being investigated. They have also sought information on the next steps in the investigation and what action is expected. This move comes after the RFEF fired two executives who were linked to the corruption probe.
The corruption investigation is focused on a multimillion-euro deal to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia. In connection with the investigation, the police searched the RFEF headquarters and an apartment belonging to its former President Luis Rubiales. However, Rubiales has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Spain is one of the co-hosts for the 2030 World Cup, along with Portugal and Morocco. Therefore, FIFA and UEFA are keen to ensure that the RFEF is transparent and takes the necessary steps to address any issues. The letter also asks when the management committee would convene an Extraordinary General Assembly to elect a new president for the remainder of the presidential term.
It is worth noting that the RFEF has been dealing with a string of off-field issues lately. In September, Rubiales resigned as RFEF president, and a month later, he was banned by FIFA from all football activities for three years. The ban was imposed on him for allegedly kissing player Jenni Hermoso on the lips without consent after Spain’s women’s World Cup triumph. Rubiales argued it was consensual and denied any wrongdoing, but a prosecutor at Spain’s High Court is seeking a prison sentence of 2-1/2 years for the 46-year-old. Rubiales had his appeal against the three-year ban dismissed by FIFA in January.
On Wednesday, the RFEF said it would submit to the Management Committee’s calls for the implementation of a forensic audit on “any type of contract that may be under suspicion” due to Rubiales’s actions. In response to the situation, Pedro Rocha said in a statement that it was “essential to separate and disassociate the institution from the alleged criminal conduct of individuals.” He added, “We will stop at nothing to purge any existing questionable conduct.”
