Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales was briefly detained by police on Wednesday at Madrid’s Barajas airport in connection with a corruption scandal during his tenure as president of the RFEF football federation.
The 46-year-old was released shortly after being detained upon arrival from the Dominican Republic. Police sources indicated that he was escorted from the plane for questioning inside the airport.
Rubiales’ arrest follows a series of raids conducted two weeks prior, targeting 11 locations including RFEF headquarters in Madrid and Rubiales’ residence in Granada. The investigations are focused on suspected corruption, fraudulent administration, and money laundering.
Reports suggest that the investigation is scrutinizing RFEF contracts signed since 2018, including one pertaining to the Spanish Super Cup’s relocation to Saudi Arabia. The Super Cup contracts, valued at 40 million euros annually, were facilitated by Kosmos, a company owned by former footballer Gerard Pique.
Following the raids, the RFEF dismissed its legal director and head of human resources, as well as terminating its contract with the federation’s external legal adviser.
Rubiales, who resigned from his position as RFEF president in September, has faced previous controversies, including a non-consensual kiss with Women’s World Cup star Jenni Hermoso. He denies any wrongdoing and insists that his financial assets stem from legitimate sources.
In an interview conducted before his arrest, Rubiales maintained his innocence, asserting that his finances are a result of his work and savings. He also denied tampering with seized electronic devices.
Pique, a key figure in the Super Cup deal, has defended its legality, expressing pride in the arrangement. The Spanish Super Cup has been held in Saudi Arabia since 2020, alternating with Spain due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
