The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) chose not to pursue a no‑confidence motion against Luis Rubiales, the federation’s president, who had already been temporarily suspended by FIFA. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about leadership and governance ahead of the federation’s preparations for future leadership processes and elections.
Key legal considerations cited by federal authorities reference the nationwide framework that governs how sports federations in Spain conduct leadership reviews and special motions, including no‑confidence actions. The relevant ministerial order, Article 19, outlines the processes for selecting federation leaders and specifies the permissible conditions for submitting motions of no confidence. The practical implication is that such motions must align with the timing rules and procedural requirements established by federal regulations in the run‑up to any electoral timetable.
Under the current framework, the timing of a no‑confidence petition follows a defined schedule. It may not be filed during the first six months of a term, and it may not be filed between six months and one year into a term, a constraint that ensures stability while a term is being established. This rule is designed to govern how leadership accountability motions are initiated, and the precise timing is determined by the federation’s governing rules until an electoral call is issued.
With Spain set to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the RFEF faces a scheduling period tied to those events. The men’s team had already secured qualification, while the women’s team had yet to play its qualifying matches, creating a window during which the federation will finalize its selection decisions after the Games conclude. The Olympic period runs from late July to early August next year, a phase that will influence how the federation proceeds with its internal leadership and governance matters in the immediate aftermath.
The mission of Luis Rubiales, who has faced suspension by FIFA for a period of 90 days following actions linked to the Women’s World Cup final, remains a focal point of the federation’s leadership discussions. Spain’s triumph in the tournament is a historical milestone, yet the governance situation surrounding Rubiales raises questions about the process for leadership accountability and how such measures interact with ongoing national competitions and international obligations. The most recent assembly, held on September 21, 2020, saw broad support with 95 votes in favor and 10 abstentions, reflecting a significant consensus about the federation’s direction at that time. However, that historical tally does not alter current governance dynamics or the procedural pathways now in force as the federation navigates leadership decisions in a politically charged environment. [Source: Federal authorities]