There has never been a secret president in sight. The post World Cup moment, following the controversial kiss involving Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph, sparked a rapid resignation and a forceful apology. The ascent of Luis Rubiales to the head of Spanish football came five years earlier, propelled by 80 votes to prevail over Juan Luis Larrea, who had 56. The broader backdrop features figures such as Angel Villar and Erdogan, who held power in their domains for decades until judicial probes opened the door to corruption cases. This context sets the stage for Rubiales’s contested leadership of the federation and its affiliated bodies.
Jenni Hermoso, through her union, calls for exemplary measures against Rubiales
From a career spent largely in the second tier, the former professional player moved widely through clubs and regions before settling in Alicante in May 2018. His tenure as coach was brief, and 48 hours before the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he left the coaching role as Julen Lopetegui was announced as the new manager for Real Madrid. This shift shaped Spain’s World Cup campaign and the internal dynamics within the federation.
Rubiales dismissed the coach harshly as Spain prepared for another competitive stage, a decision that echoed through the federation and beyond. The appointment and team selection required constant adjustments from the leadership, underscoring the balancing act between federation officials and coaching staff. The inner circle faced scrutiny over responsibilities and accountability as the federation navigated the demanding landscape of world football.
Giving the Super Cup to Saudi Arabia
From the outset of Rubiales’s presidency, clashes within the organization and with major stakeholders shaped the governance of Spanish football. The Super Cup’s relocation to Saudi Arabia and the involvement of the Kosmos company highlighted disputes over revenue, venue, and strategic direction. These tensions reflected broader questions about governance models and the influence of private partners in national football.
Audios later leaked suggested a close, if controversial, working relationship between the federation leadership and a prominent Barça figure of that era. The conversations touched on ongoing negotiations and the financial arrangements linked to the Super Bowl’s Arab headquarters, casting a shadow over decision-making processes and the perceived transparency of deals.
Victim of the stage hunt
Rubiales’s involvement in the federation’s institutional conflicts extended to decisions about compensation and the alignment of personal interests with official duties. The domestic season and major cups often found him at the center of debates about power, influence, and the direction of Spanish football. Spain and its top clubs faced the consequences of the leadership’s public disputes as the federation navigated high-stakes events on the national and international stage.
One year earlier, Rubiales acknowledged the intense scrutiny surrounding him, describing the environment as a “prepared hunt” that distorted the truth. He defended himself against accusations linked to the Saudi deal, suggesting that confidential information had been compromised. The episode underscored the fragile line between leadership and public perception in modern football governance.
Re-elected until 2024
In a rare moment of reassurance for supporters, Rubiales spoke of courage and duty during a lengthy press conference. He argued that leading the federation demanded resilience in the face of relentless scrutiny. His re-election in 2020 came as a consequence of a single-candidate race, reflecting the electoral dynamics within the federation as questions about governance and transparency continued to echo. The ensuing years saw the federation confront numerous challenges, including calls for reform from various quarters.
Throughout a long tenure, Rubiales faced persistent investigations, complaints, and demands for accountability. The chairman’s tenure culminated in heightened scrutiny of governance practices and the cultural expectations surrounding leadership in national football. Amid family tensions and public disputes, the governing body persisted, even as criticism mounted.
Rubiales, who projected resilience, ultimately faced a turning point when the pressures of governance and public opinion converged. The era concluded with a reckoning about how national football should be managed, balanced between tradition and reform, transparency and decisive action.