The arrest comes amidst ongoing investigations into his conduct during his time as president.
The former head of the Spanish Football Association (RFEF), Luis Rubiales, was arrested on Wednesday upon arrival at Madrid's Barajas Airport after a flight from the Dominican Republic.
This comes amidst ongoing investigations into his conduct during his time as president.
18:03 - 27.03.2024
Luis Rubiales faces two-and-a-half-year jail term for kissing Jennifer Hermoso
Former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales faces severe legal consequences, including a two-and-a-half-year prison term, for an alleged non-consensual kiss on Jenni Hermoso.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Rubiales was taken into custody by the Civil Guard as soon as he disembarked from the plane.
He is expected to face questioning in a closed court hearing before being released on bail.
Separate Investigations
The current investigation is unrelated to the "Kissgate" scandal, where Rubiales faced accusations of sexual assault and coercion for an unwanted kiss on Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso after a World Cup victory.
Last month, prosecutors requested a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Rubiales related to the Kissgate incident.
01:39 - 26.01.2024
‘Rubiales and Hermoso kiss was not consensual’ — court declares as three other ex-Spain bosses also set to stand trial
In the latest twist of the infamous KissGATE scandal between Jennifer Hermoso and former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales, a magistrate court have decided that they will hear the case against the former FA boss and other Spain officials
They allege the kiss was "unwanted" and that he pressured Hermoso to defend him publicly.
Around the same time, prosecutors also requested Rubiales' arrest for suspected financial irregularities during his tenure as RFEF president. His home was searched in March, but he was already abroad.
15:01 - 30.10.2023
FIFA reaches verdict on kiss-gate scandal, bans Luis Rubiales
Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been banned by FIFA for the kissing incident.
Rubiales Denies Wrongdoing
Rubiales has consistently denied any wrongdoing in both the financial corruption probe and the Kissgate case. He maintains his innocence and intends to fight the charges.
In an upcoming interview with Spanish journalist Ana Pastor, Rubiales plans to address the corruption allegations, claiming his finances are legitimate.
15:01 - 30.10.2023
FIFA reaches verdict on kiss-gate scandal, bans Luis Rubiales
Former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales has been banned by FIFA for the kissing incident.
He will also defend his actions regarding the kiss, accusing the judge of manipulating the situation.
Dramatic Return to Spain
Rubiales initially planned to return to Spain on April 6th, but his travel arrangements changed.
He reportedly avoided an arrest in the Dominican Republic by cooperating with authorities and returning on a pre-arranged date.
14:02 - 19.10.2023
Spain coach reveals reason behind Jenni Hermoso recall amid 'kissgate' legal battle
Jenni Hermoso was left out of the Spain squad in September, but has been recalled for the first time since Luis Rubiales kissed her on the lips during the World Cup trophy presentation.
Spanish investigators traveled to the Caribbean and confiscated Rubiales' phone and laptop during a search of his residence there.
Following the Kissgate scandal and subsequent investigations, Rubiales resigned as RFEF president in September 2023.
FIFA also imposed a three-year ban on him from football-related activities.
17:31 - 04.10.2023
FOOTBALL Luis Rubiales narrates in court how the Jenni Hermoso kissgate scandal unfolded as he claims star is 'lying'
Rubiales insists the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso maintains it was not.
Rubiales Maintains Kiss Was Consensual
Rubiales maintains the kiss with Hermoso was consensual and a spontaneous expression of joy after the World Cup win.
He has apologized for other actions during the celebration, such as grabbing his crotch in front of the Spanish Queen and her daughter.
10:00 - 03.04.2024
Talanta Hela All-Star striker who looks up to Michael Olunga revels in dominant Spain experience
Odongo was the top goalscorer for the Talanta Hela U-19 boys’ side at the Costa Daurada tournament and also scored a hat-trick in their last friendly match against Eldense FC.
Trial Dates Unknown
No date has been set for a trial in the Kissgate case. Rubiales has not been formally charged in connection with the ongoing investigation into his financial dealings (Operation Brody). However, he is being investigated for potential corruption and money laundering.
Spanish daily El Mundo claims investigators believe Rubiales diverted millions of Euros from the RFEF to a construction company that paid him kickbacks through a friend's company.