RFEF apologizes to “football and society as a whole” for Rubiales’ behavior

In the institutional declaration format signed by the interim president, Pedro RochaText published by RFEF highlights current leaders “We are particularly sorry and ashamed of the pain. and the additional suffering it creates” in relation to Rubiales’ performances.

“Mr Rubiales’ actions do not represent the values ​​championed by the Spanish Federation or the values ​​of the entire Spanish society and performance must be attributed solely and exclusively to him.He goes on to explain that the RFEF has obtained “a firm and absolute commitment that such incidents will never happen again.”

In addition, Rocha emphasizes in his letter: “Review of the organization’s current management structures” and “the unanimous and unequivocal determination to take a series of actions in the coming days to improve the management of the Spanish football federation and make it possible for the damage done to be repaired as much as possible”.

Here is the full statement:

The Royal Spanish Football Federation, through its President, Mr. Pedro Rocha, considers it necessary to demand the most sincere apologies from world football as a whole, from football institutions (FIFA, UEFA, FN), from football players, especially Spanish Football players. To his team and the English Football Team, to other agents interested in football and to fans around the world, for the absolutely unacceptable behavior of their highest corporate representatives during the final and in the moments after, which was completely incompatible with values. Spanish society as a wholeinstitutions, representatives, athletes and leaders of Spanish sport. Spanish society is an example of tolerance and courtesy in all social and political spheres, and has been an example of sporting behavior and etiquette, as demonstrated in all sporting events it has participated in for decades; The nobility and international prestige of our society and sport have been overshadowed by Luis M. Rubiales’ performance in recent days.

The damage done to Spanish football, Spanish sport, Spanish society and the values ​​of football and sport as a whole has been enormous.

The RFEF wishes to express its deep regrets to society as a whole and to world football as a whole for the events that have tarnished our team, our football and our society. We are deeply sorry for the damage that has been caused and therefore we must demand our sincerest apologies from this RFEF and take a firm and absolute commitment that such incidents will never happen again.

Both the governing bodies of the football world -FIFA- and the bodies responsible for sports at the state level -Consejo Superior de Deportes CSD and Tribunal Administrativo del Deporte TAD- have immediately adopted the relevant measuresWe demand the immediate initiation of a separate disciplinary investigation against Mr. Luis Rubiales and the immediate suspension of his duties as head of the RFEF in the event of FIFA’s decision. The RFEF provides all necessary documentary and administrative support from both disciplinary bodies so that a final decision allowing compensation for the damage can be taken as soon as possible.

Winning the World Cup was one of the proudest moments in the history of the Spanish Federation and undoubtedly one of the most important moments in the Spanish sport of women’s football. The actions of Mr. Rubiales at that time and in the following hours are totally unacceptable and therefore RFEF has immediately removed from the website all inappropriate and meaningless communications that do not value the achievements of the National Team. did not take into account the actor’s statements about these facts.

Mr Rubiales’ actions do not represent the values ​​defended by the Spanish Federation or the values ​​of Spanish society as a whole, and since he is solely responsible for his actions, his actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him. . actions in publicbefore sports institutions and, if necessary, before the courts.

To be clear, this position was that of Mr. Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We are particularly sorry and ashamed of the additional pain and suffering this has caused.

We regret that this event has negatively impacted the ongoing celebration of football for both our national team and the England Lionesses, who were a truly extraordinary opponent in an exciting final.

On Monday, August 28, 2023, the RFEF issued a statement demanding that the Chairmen of the Autonomous Federations unanimously demand the resignation of Mr. Rubiales as President of the RFEF due to inappropriate behavior. It was also announced that the existing management structures were reviewed. organization still in operation.

In this context, a thorough investigation into the events and the subsequent measures taken by Mr. Rubiales were promptly initiated in order to protect Spanish football and ensure that this behavior is not repeated. At the same time, all the presidents of the member federations of the Spanish Federation demanded the immediate resignation of the president and promised to thoroughly review all the policies and procedures of the organization. Their commitment is unanimous and unequivocal in the next few days to take a series of actions that will improve the management of the Spanish football association and make it possible to repair as much as possible the damage done. The RFEF should act in coordination with the High Council. Sport serves the general interests of Spanish sport.

We have sent this statement privately to the relevant institutions and organizations and we are now making it public.

Finally, in recognition of the legacy and impact this victory will have on the future of Spanish football, I would like to congratulate our team once again on this historic victory. We believe his spirit has inspired millions of people of all ages and we couldn’t be more proud of your behaviorboth on and off the field. When the time comes, I plan to bring them back into the limelight and celebrate their success as they deserve.