Former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales has vehemently denied any financial “irregularities” after appearing in court as part of a corruption probe into his tenure. Rubiales, who resigned following a scandal involving an unwanted kiss on Women’s World Cup star Jenni Hermoso, maintained his innocence and expressed confidence in the justice system.
Rubiales, 46, testified extensively during his court appearance and assured reporters that he had cooperated fully. He stated, “I have answered all the questions I was asked. If I have to come here again, I will be here, collaborating. I am the one most interested in clearing everything up.”
The investigation focuses on contracts signed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) since 2018, including one orchestrated by Rubiales to host the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. Rubiales emphasized that there had been no irregularities in the tender process and that all payments had been made in accordance with legal requirements.
In March, authorities conducted searches at 11 locations, including Rubiales’s residence in Granada, as part of the alleged graft scandal. The judicial sources stated that the investigation is linked to suspected crimes related to corruption in business, fraudulent administration, and money laundering.
The Spanish Super Cup contracts, valued at 40 million euros annually ($43.3 million), were brokered by Kosmos, a company owned by former Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique. The tournament was held in Saudi Arabia for the first time in 2020, returned to Spain temporarily due to the pandemic, and subsequently went back to the Gulf state for the following three editions.
Newly elected Spanish football president Pedro Rocha, who previously served as federation vice-president under Rubiales, is also under investigation in connection with the alleged graft case.
Additionally, Rubiales is set to face trial for the nonconsensual kiss he forced upon Jenni Hermoso, which, according to Spanish law, can be classified as sexual assault.
