The government steps into the football crisis
Two months have passed since the moment when Pedro Sánchez welcomed the world champions at the Moncloa residence, with the Spanish Football Federation at the center of attention and the federation’s leader at the time, Luis Rubiales, present alongside top sports authorities, including Víctor Francos from the Consejo Superior de Deportes. The encounter marked the start of a delicate phase where the focus shifted from celebration to accountability, and the public square demanded clarity about the path ahead.
In the wake of the reception, the Deputy Prime Minister laid out a clear road map regarding Rubiales and the scandal that followed his kiss with Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony in Sydney. The message was explicit: apologies alone would not be enough. It was necessary for Rubiales to take additional actions. This stance widened the distance between Sánchez and Rubiales, who had previously maintained a cordial relationship despite the controversy surrounding the federation leader.
The government takes the field
The demand for change pushed Rubiales to act. Nineteen days later, he resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, on a Sunday night in September. Before stepping down, he dismissed most of the vice presidents, retaining Pedro Rocha from Extremadura to hand the presidency over to him. Rocha would remain at the helm of the federation’s management company until elections are announced, and the government signaled that the federation’s leadership renewal should occur in the first half of 2024, aligning with the Olympic year.
Pedro Rocha to lead RFEF while the call for a ceasefire among players gains momentum
The leadership transition came after a long period of intervention. Since September 20, when the CSD pledged to support the players in Oliva late into the night, the government worked to push through the changes the players had demanded. Rubiales left the federation, and the next steps involved the general secretary of the federation, the women’s coach, and key figures in the integrity and communications departments. The federation’s internal reshuffle aimed to stabilize the organization while keeping a clear eye on the road to reform.
As the CSD pursued its commitments, the broader election scenario began to emerge, with several figures speculated as potential candidates. It remained unclear whether Pedro Rocha would submit his candidacy, and questions swirled around regional federation leaders who could influence the vote. Among the names mentioned were Salvador Gomar from Valencia and Paco Diez from Madrid, though none had yet announced plans. The timing of the presidential election would determine when more concrete decisions would be made.
Garcia Silvero, Mateu Lahoz, Casillas…
The landscape resembled a chessboard, with multiple power blocs forming and jockeying for influence. Regional federations, referees, and club representatives all weighed in, while public attention focused on the friction between the federation and high-profile figures such as Javier Tebas and the clubs most affected by past controversies. The negotiations and maneuvering underscored how intertwined the governance of the sport is with wider dynamics inside the federation and national sports administration.
Names like Emilio Garcia Silvero and former referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz began to surface in discussions about possible candidacies. Lahoz, who heads the Integrity and Compliance function at FIFA, remained without a firm campaign announcement, but his presence highlighted the ongoing debate about leadership and reform within the federation.
A possible shift for Alemany and other potential leaders
Rumors circulated about Mateu Alemany and connections to Atlético de Madrid, with talk of a fourth division pathway or other routes to influence. Names such as Iker Casillas and Fernando Sanz surfaced in conversations, yet none had confirmed steps toward candidacy. The government encouraged a true reconstruction of Spanish football, acknowledging the need for fresh leadership while maintaining respect for the election process and avoiding any meddling in the outcome.
Irene Lozano and the broader football network
Within Sánchez’s circle, several well-known figures with sports governance experience are recognized. Irene Lozano, a former president of the Supreme Sports Council, remains a notable voice in the football scene. Lozano’s past role in mediating between Rubiales and LaLiga after intense discussions helped ease tensions and preserve momentum for Olympic and Paralympic sports. Her presence in football discussions continues to attract attention as the sport navigates through a period of renewal.
Lozano has also appeared in media conversations, including moments where she pressed for accountability. Her understanding of the football ecosystem, combined with experience in public affairs, positions her as a potential influencer in any future leadership considerations. Her name is even mentioned as a possible candidate for future challenges in the sport’s governance, given the ongoing efforts to align football with broader national sports policy and performance goals for the coming decade.
Profiles under consideration: Ana Muñoz and Elvira Andrés
Another line of discussion centers on Ana Muñoz, who managed the health protection agency for sport and held deputy leadership roles in the CSD and the federation. Elvira Andrés, a lawyer and expert in sports law, currently directs the president’s cabinet at the federation. Both names appear in conversations about governance reform as the sport seeks to build a more transparent and accountable leadership structure while addressing past concerns.
Leaks and the call for protection
The candidacy process relies on consensus among regional presidents, who hold considerable sway in a 140-member voting body. The government has been working to achieve a deep renewal of the federation, a goal echoed by players who demanded meaningful change. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ensuring fair, inclusive leadership that reflects the sport’s diverse stakeholders, including women’s teams and their leaders, who historically have faced challenges in the federation’s governance.