The government moved decisively on the leadership of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, signaling a clear path toward suspension for its president as part of ongoing disciplinary proceedings. This follows an assessment by the Supreme Council of Sports and a formal step to refer the case to the appropriate tribunal. The decision arrives at a moment when public accountability is being emphasized after a series of controversial moments linked to the federation’s leadership, including a high-profile ceremony involving Spain’s women’s national team, the world champions who earned their title in a global tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
At a briefing, the head of the CSD, Victor Francos Diaz, described the situation as highly serious and confirmed that the procedures necessary to suspend the federation’s president would be activated with the support of the TAD. He noted that government engagement with the federation had reached its conclusion and that a formal suspension would be enacted to safeguard integrity within the federation’s operations.
Francos Diaz’s remarks followed a public statement from the federation president indicating an intention to continue leading despite the recent string of controversies. The exchange underscored the tense atmosphere surrounding Spanish football and the federation’s leadership as scrutiny intensifies from fans, players, and officials alike.
The statements of Francos Díaz:
- “I come before you with the will to discuss what we already know about the Rubiales case, considering the events tied to the Women’s World Cup final.”
- “The CSD sought precision and rigor in the procedures to follow. We initially preferred not to act before this morning’s meeting.”
-
“Mr. Rubiales has not met the expectations of the players, the government, or society at large today.”
-
“The meeting has not resolved the situation or cooled the context in which it has arisen. What has happened has intensified the controversy. Explanation is not enough, and inaction is not an option the government will accept.”
-
“We want to be clear: the government’s path to the federation’s presidency is definitively over.”
-
“The CSD will suspend its functions in the Presidency of the Spanish Football Federation.”
-
“Today we will file a complaint with the TAD because the Sports Act has been violated, and if the TAD deems necessary in the days ahead, we will review the seriousness of the violation within the CSD. The complaint will be treated as a very serious matter.”
- “We request and hope the TAD can meet next Monday, whenever feasible.”
- “As the head of the CSD, I apologize to the players for not earning this week.”
- “The springs do not fail; instead, the CSD will refer the matter to the TAD, letting the TAD assess the situation as very serious, and the CSD will remove Mr. Rubiales from his duties if warranted.”
- “I am surprised because I expected a different Assembly outcome, but given the current result, we proceed.”
- “I did not approve the manner in which Mr. Rubiales conducted himself in the Assembly.”
-
“I have remained respectful all week, but with no action taken, the CSD will respond in line with what citizens expect.”
-
“We hold the file from the outset, yet we respect the legal process. I will not prejudge the prosecutor’s investigations, but we will cooperate if needed.”
- “Today Mr. Rubiales should have offered an apology instead of confrontation.”
-
“He might have reflected that he bears responsibility rather than blaming others.”
-
“I traveled back with Mr. Rubiales on the national team plane, and while I spoke with him, the conversations didn’t focus on this matter.”
-
“Yes, I spoke with others around him to relay what I’m saying here today.”
-
“This is a country with guarantees, and ultimately the court will decide. The file will be submitted to the TAD, and the authorities there will determine the next steps regardless of personal views.”
-
“If the TAD finds a very serious crime, the president will be removed from his duties.”
[Goal]