MADRID. The former president of the Spanish Football Association, Luis Rubiales, accused by the judiciary of corruption and sexual aggression, was arrested on his return home. Rubiales was taken into custody on Wednesday at Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Airport by officers from the Guardia Civil police unit, state TV broadcaster RTVE and other media reported. Rubiales has denied all allegations once morest him.
After a stay in the Dominican Republic, Rubiales reportedly landed in Madrid on a scheduled flight. He was met by officials at the airport and informed regarding his situation, according to RTVE. The sports newspapers “Marca” and “AS” wrote that Rubiales was then taken in a police car to the courthouse in Majadahonda near Madrid. There he should be questioned by a judge in the matter of the allegedly irregular contracts. According to Spanish law, a suspect can be held for a maximum of 72 hours unless pre-trial detention is ordered due to risk of absconding or other reasons.
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.
Criminal investigations are also underway in Spain once morest the 46-year-old 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 following 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.
