The headquarters of the Spanish FA and the home of disgraced former president Luis Rubiales have been raided as part of an investigation into allegations of corruption and money laundering.
The case centres around the deal to play Supercopa de Espana games in Saudi Arabia.
Spanish police arrested at least six people on Wednesday and a warrant for Rubiales has been issued, according to Marca. The 46-year-old is currently in the Dominican Republic and expected to return to Spain voluntarily.
Officers from Guardia Civil entered the Spanish Football Federation’s base in Las Rozas just outside of Madrid and a residence in Granada belonging to Rubiales, who was not home at the time.
“I am absolutely surprised by all of this,” Rubiales said in a statement to Isabel Rabago. “I have been working here for months, in the Dominican Republic. I’ve been doing it for more than a month straight. And in fact, my family was going to spend Easter with me.”
Prosecutors added searches were carried out in 11 locations in total with seven people expected to be arrested.
A deal to revamp the Supercopa de Espana was agreed in 2019 as the competition expanded to four teams and relocated to Saudi Arabia, being worth a reported €240m to the RFEF over six seasons. Rubiales became president of the association in 2018.
Rubiales remains under investigation from Spain’s highest criminal court for alleged sexual assault and coercion after kissing Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the medal ceremony after the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Hermoso filed a legal complaint against Rubiales, who refused to step down despite widespread criticism of his actions before eventually resigning.
He then received a three-year ban from FIFA, barring him from any football-related activities, but still denies any wrongdoing. Pedro Rocha is the current interim president of the RFEF.
What we know
- Arrest warrant issued for disgraced former RFEF president Luis Rubiales
- Case centres around corruption allegations relating to the Supercopa de Espana
- Rubiales remains under investigation from Spain’s highest court for Jenni Hermoso kiss.