Resignation by Rubiales and the RFEF: pathways to leadership and reform

Resignation by Luis Rubiales opens the door to a parliamentary start and a formal election process

The resignation of Luis Rubiales clears the path for the beginning of parliamentary activity on Sunday night, under the federation’s leadership temporarily held by Pedro Rocha. The next steps in the Rubiales matter are already underway, although a ceasefire has been requested to reduce tensions around European Cup qualifying matches. This does not imply that the RFEF, now led on an interim basis, should immediately call elections.

Two scenarios shape the current parliament. In one, there could be an election to appoint a new president, with a board in place until after the Olympic Games since selection processes at the RFEF are traditionally aligned with Olympic year cycles. In the other scenario, the executive would remain until January, and the Government would permit the election to proceed through the CSD. The parliament would be renewed before the next cycle of elections, and the presidency would align with the four-year Olympic term, though that period may conclude before the Games.

“Deep restructuring” versus ongoing influence

The executive committee would need to meet with a set of steps that takes around six weeks from the president’s election, with the appointment of the president considered in that timeline. The body comprised 140 council members was discussed at the Extraordinary Congress on the final day. Rubiales ruled out resignation, remarking that changes could occur in 2024 if necessary, according to Víctor Francos, the State for Sport minister and president of the CSD.

The National Court is examining Rubiales for alleged sexual assault and coercion related to the Jenni Hermoso case. Progress without extending the interim period and without reorganizing RFEF’s internal structures appears most convincing to political authorities seeking meaningful changes. Yet Francos also acknowledged that the parliament in effect through 2024 will endure, suggesting that Rubiales’ influence may persist in some form within the RFEF.

There are 140 members who will decide the new president. The highest governing body of the RFEF consists of 120 elected members and 20 ex officio members, including regional federation leaders and the federation president.

Council membership and composition

Eleven First Division clubs, nine Second Division teams, and 30 non-professional clubs are represented among elected members. No representatives from professional clubs attended the meeting, where Rubiales declined to resign and some attendees viewed the session as a trap. The group of selected members includes 13 professional players, 18 non-professional players, several referees, and coaches across divisions. There are also futsal representatives among the parliament members who were born and elected to the body.

Among the 140 councillors, multiple notable figures remain visible, including former coaches and notable players. The roster includes women who have made history in Spanish football and futsal, with a few prominent champions achieving European success. These figures reflect a broad spectrum of the sports community that the RFEF must consider in its governance.

Who are the council members?

A statement of support was issued by several women athletes in the federation, emphasizing values like respect, solidarity, participation, and equality. The federation pledged timely measures to uphold these principles while maintaining accountability within its leadership. Some council members did not publicly comment on the Rubiales case, while others made themselves heard through social channels.

In the group of elected and appointed members, several professionals from football and related fields occupy positions. The mix includes players, referees, and coaches from different levels, all contributing to a diverse representation that aims to guide the federation forward after this period of controversy.

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The discussion extends to the broader federation and international bodies, including roles within FIFA and the administrative tribunals. The evolving situation will test how quickly reforms can be implemented and how the federation balances tradition with change. The reshaping of leadership will influence decisions on appointments and policy directions in the months ahead.

Notable figures linked to the leadership changes

Among the names considered for various roles are coaches and administrators with experience in both national and international football. The list also includes figures from the futsal and women’s teams, highlighting the federation’s effort to incorporate diverse perspectives in shaping its future. The landscape reflects a mixture of established figures and emerging voices seeking to influence the federation’s path forward.

Spanish Federation to decide its future

Officials affirmed that Pedro Rocha should be given the opportunity to lead, regardless of whether deadlines are nudged forward or pulled back. They described the changes as deep and structural, signaling a lasting impact on how the federation operates. The governance framework will be tested as the federation navigates through this transition period and seeks to fortify its leadership for the post-crisis era.

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The resignation remains a pivotal moment in the ongoing Rubiales saga. Time will reveal whether this signals the end of his influence in the federation and beyond, including international circles where trust and leadership dynamics continue to evolve. The resolution of this issue could redefine relationships within the federation and its international partners as it moves forward.

Pedro Rocha, the interim president of the RFEF, participates in governance discussions during regional gatherings as the federation charts its course through this transitional period.