Disgraced Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales Arrested on return from Dominican Republic

Disgraced Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales Arrested on return from Dominican Republic

Hassan Abdulsalam 11:59 - 03.04.2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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