The Public Prosecutor’s Office has issued an arrest warrant against Luis Rubiales for alleged irregularities at the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
The former president of the federation is currently outside Spain, possibly in the Dominican Republic, which doesn’t have an extradition treaty with Spain.
The investigation into the Spanish Football Federation‘s decision to host the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia has been ongoing since June 2022, led by Majadahonda’s Court of Instruction number 4. This inquiry prompted a search of the federation’s main office and the arrest of seven individuals on Thursday.
The investigation, which extends to actions at La Cartuja stadium in Seville and residences in Granada and Torrox (Mlaga), focuses on suspected corruption, mismanagement, and money laundering over the past five years. Rubiales‘ home in Granada was among the locations searched.
Rubiales has not yet commented directly on the matter. Journalist Isabel Rabago, host of Telecinco’s ‘Vamos a ver’, shared details of a conversation with Rubiales, who expressed shock at the developments.
“I am absolutely surprised by all of this,” he reportedly said. “I’ve been working in the Dominican Republic for months. I’ve been here continuously for over a month, and my family was planning to join me for Easter.”
Rabago emphasized that Rubiales‘ stay in the Dominican Republic was not an attempt to avoid legal scrutiny, stating, “He did not leave Spain to evade any kind of police or judicial action. He has been in the Dominican Republic for work purposes, continuously for a month.”
RFEF statement
In a statement released this evening, the RFEF declared its complete support and cooperation with the State Security Forces and judicial authorities following a search of its offices.
The federation emphasized its commitment to absolute transparency within the governing body of Spanish football. Furthermore, the RFEF expressed its belief that the ongoing investigation should be thorough and exhaustive, ensuring that all aspects of the case are fully explored.
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