Corruption case: “There was never any money received irregularly” defends Luis Rubiales, the former president of the Spanish Federation

Luis Rubiales was president of the Spanish Federation since 2018 before his resignation in 2023. MAXPPP – Mariscal

The former president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, denied on Monday having received money in an “irregular” manner, at the end of his hearing within the framework of the ;investigation for corruption surrounding contracts signed during his mandate from 2018 to 2023.

"What I maintain and always will maintain, and I am convinced that justice will be done, is that there is no such thing as a crime. There has never been money received irregularly, there has never been an irregular call for tenders", said Mr. Rubiales to journalists present in front of the Majadahonda court, near Madrid.

Irregular contracts

The former boss of Spanish football refers in particular to the contracts concluded for the relocation of the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia and the renovation of the Seville Olympic stadium, in the sights of authorities.

Already threatened with two and a half years in prison for sexual assault on world champion Jenni Hermoso, following the 2023 World Cup final, Luis Rubiales assured that he had " answered all the questions" before the judge responsible for investigating these allegedly irregular contracts.

Also read: VIDEO. Corruption case: just returned from a business trip, Luis Rubiales summoned before Spanish justice

The former leader, who was briefly detained at Madrid airport by the Civil Guard on April 3 upon his return from the Dominican Republic, is accused of money laundering. rsquo;money, commercial corruption, unfair administration and membership in a criminal organization, just like his successor at the head of the RFEF, Pedro Rocha, and several former leaders of the body.

This affair pushed the Spanish government to place the football federation under supervision "in the’interest" of the country, future co-organizer of the 2030 World Cup with Morocco and Portugal. Rubiales, who described his management between 2018 and 2023 as very good, will have to appear once a month before justice and request authorization from the court if he travels outside Spain, according to judicial sources.