Football official fired
Rubiales arrested at Madrid airport after trip
April 3, 2024, 3:35 p.m
The former president of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, continues to have problems with the judiciary. He has to fear several years in prison for corruption and money laundering, among other things – and he is quickly arrested at the airport after a trip.
The ex-president of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, accused by the judiciary of corruption and sexual aggression, has been detained on his return to Spain. Rubiales was initially taken into custody by Civil Guard officials at Adolfo Suárez Airport and released after a short time. This was reported by the state TV broadcaster RTVE and other media. A spokesman for the Guardia Civil confirmed RTVE’s report. Rubiales had denied all allegations against him.
After a business trip to the Dominican Republic, Rubiales reportedly landed in Madrid on a scheduled flight. He was met by officials at the airport, informed about his situation and questioned, according to RTVE. The arrest is not in the context of the events after the World Cup final, when Rubiales aggressively kissed world champion Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth. It is expected that he will soon receive a summons from the judge in charge to be questioned.
During Rubiales’ stay in the Caribbean, investigators had already searched his apartment. There was also a police operation at the headquarters of the Spanish Football Association, during which several people were arrested.
From sexual assault to corruption and money laundering
Rubiales is being investigated over alleged irregular contracts concluded during his five-year presidency of the RFEF football association. The alleged crimes in this case include commercial corruption, unfair administration and money laundering. Among other things, he is said to have collected illegal commissions in connection with the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.
Criminal investigations are also underway in Spain against the ex-official because of the kissing scandal at the 2023 World Cup in Australia, which caused a stir worldwide. Rubiales kissed player Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth at the award ceremony after winning the World Cup title. Hermoso disputed Rubiales’ statement that the kiss was consensual. Rubiales resigned as head of the association last September in the wake of the kissing scandal. Because of the affair, he was banned for three years by the world association FIFA, among others.
The Spaniard has denied all allegations – including those of corruption. In both cases, the ex-official faces several years in prison. In Spain, prison sentences of up to two years are usually suspended. However, the public prosecutor’s office is demanding a prison sentence of two and a half years.